Can it be that Toby Shergold, the Oxford police spokesman, has been misquoted when he is reported as saying (Oxford Mail, March 21): "Police are not currently investigating the incident because there's no evidence for us to go on."

I was always taught that one investigates to find evidence, so has that changed as well in this modern era of crime fighting?

Is it no longer prudent to report a crime unless one knows who has done it?

Recently, one of my former police colleagues told me he had received a similar reply when asked about an offence to which he was a potential witness.

I understand my friend showed the officer, not a Pc but two ranks higher, how to obtain the evidence required to prove the case, and this too involved asking questions and making inquiries.

My friend's comment to me was: "Don't hold your breath on that being done."

Sad but true.

CHRIS PAYNE George Street Bicester