OBSERVATIONS or 'obbos' as we called them at the local Nick in years gone by, were a change from plodding around our patch and gave us a chance to get our civvies out of mothballs.

How boring it could be to watch a pint of milk on someone's doorstep. There was more chance of it curdling than catching a milk-loving thief.

And fancy being paid to spend a gloriously sunny week sat on the grass and having the odd fag and sarny on the top of the Elbury Mount Reservoir after a complaint that the kids were causing a nuisance.

They didn't do so that week - they had enough savvy to give the place a wide berth with two burly coppers having a picnic up there. Still I suppose it did the trick.

Occasionally, we did duties that most men would find delightful. Just imagine taking a policewoman out and getting paid for it - but when you're happily married it could be an embarrassment.

I've been to dances with them to watch out for handbag nickers. But the one that caused me the most problems was going to a park to make out we were a courting couple to try to snare a bloke who loved to watch courting couples. The problem was I was close to my home and so many people passed us that afternoon who knew me. We never did find out who the pop eyed creep was - but I did find out I had a lot of friends that summer's day.

JOE WALTERS,

Worcester.