On Friday the Daily Echo allocated nearly a whole page to the “plague” of antisocial yobs, including comments from residents who claimed victims needed more support.

Chief inspector of constabulary Sir Denis O’Connor states the streets have to be “reclaimed by the police”

Well sir – wake up and smell the coffee.

Take a drive around the streets outside of central Bournemouth and see how many miles you clock up before seeing an officer on foot.

That will tell you why the police have lost control.

It’s too late after the trouble has escalated for a few years – it needs police presence before it gets to that level.

Of course the victims need support but so do the police, and have done for many years.

It’s not rocket science.

None of the emergency services should be affected by the cutbacks. Unlike someone I could mention I have no A or O levels, but I feel I am bright enough to realise it is about priorities.

The safety of our friends and families on the streets is more important than a few waves at Boscombe, or tree-lined avenues into Bournemouth.

Terry Jerrard, Slades Farm Road, Bournemouth