I wish to comment on possible vigilante action on the Island.

I was born on the island and for 20 years now have lived in Fortuneswell which over recent years has become a virtual no-go area after a certain time.

In fact the island at present reminds me of an old Hammer Horror film, where the residents of the villages go about their business before the twilight hours when all sorts of human detritus emerges.

The police representative asked for calm and to report any criminal activity but what is the point?

I have had my property damaged five times this year, my neighbours paid out £3,500 to have their property repainted only to have it grafittied over before the scaffolding had even been removed.

I have been threatened several times by gangs of small feral oiks – my neighbours have had their home attacked by a large gang of these individuals and they have had racial abuse hurled at them.

Drug dealing and use is rife just up the road from my house, all of which was reported to the police who do absolutely nothing.

In fact, on the times I have reported criminal activity they have not even done me the courtesy of following up my call. So I can understand the feeling on the island.

I was shocked on Thursday of last week to see a bobby on the beat in Fortuneswell.

Mind you, he wasn’t a proper copper, only a support officer and he looked no more than 15 years old – plus it was 4.30 in the afternoon. This is hardly a deterrent when most of the anti-social behaviour and destruction is in the evenings and at weekends. If the police want to win back the trust of people on the island, then get your backsides out of your BMWs and start using your legs.

Why should we do your work for you?

Christopher Taylor, Ventnor Lane, Fortuneswell, Portland