SIR – Don’t knock the police for stepping up patrols in Shipley after a spate of thefts of brass door handles, George Watmough (T&A, April 14). They’re only trying to catch metal thieves who are costing the country millions.

Of course, it will cost the force extra money, but they would be damned if they did nothing. You are damning them for doing something about it. You should be grateful we have a police force that cares.

David Rhodes, Croscombe Walk, Bradford