TWO weeks ago my food recycling box went missing. My next-door-neighbour had a ticket stuck on his refuse box saying he had to dispose of his food waste properly.

I rang the council and explained my box was lost and could I have a replacement. I was told it would cost me £10 but if I was to report it to the police I would get a crime number which I would have to submit to the council to get a free box. I like to think I am a sane person but it beggars belief that I must go to the police on such a trivial thing.

People like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Dorothy L Sayers and Colin Dexter are missing out on a best seller – The Case of the Missing Food Box. I’ve decided to leave it.

B COMPTON Maltfield Road Headington Oxford