Sir.-If there is a police officer on the beat in Lychpit and Old Basing, then I'd like to know when he's about.

The assertion by Superintendent Paul Netherton, Basingstoke's police chief, that each "patch" has an officer to keep in touch with the community (Friday's Gazette, June 18) doesn't bear scrutiny in this neck of the woods.

It could be, of course, that our beat officer tip-toes past my front door at the crack of dawn before I'm up, or perhaps he cycles at midnight when I'm tucked up in bed.

But believe me, there have been no sightings during daylight hours, when I take regular daily walks around the area.

-Cliff Mogg, Blackberry Walk, Lychpit.

Sir.-Regarding your yellow card story in last Friday's Gazette.

Does this imply we are to see policemen on our streets? In 11 years, I have only seen one on street patrol!

And how many of these yellow tickets have to be collected before the offender is sent on a safari holiday?

-Name and address withheld.