DO the police really want help from the general public? My impression is a big NO.

There have been numerous letters in the local press about the use of quad bikes and small motorcycles being driven on roads and footpaths in Redditch.

The police asked the public to report this activity to Crimestoppers and gave the number.

An incident of this activity happened on Sunday recently so I telephoned the number given, only to be told after I had started to tell the story: "I'll give you the number of your local police station and they will come out right away."

I then asked where the operator was located to be told London.

I said police may turn out promptly in London but in this area, they were unlikely to turn out as quickly as she thought.

She then took the details of the incident and closed by saying it would be the next Thursday before the local police received the details!

Name and address supplied