I will admit my rear number plate was dirty and difficult to read.

But I did feel harshly treated by a policeman who was accompanying a young and attractive female Pcso on a walkabout.

As I returned to my car, he asked if I was the owner. Surely not even the most inept villain would be so daft as to break into a car with a bobby watching.

I confirmed I was — and he asked me to give him my car registration number. I did so, then he walked to the back and pointed at the dirty plate.

Mea culpa! I accepted the criticism, only to be given a lecture which included what penalties I had laid myself open to.

I couldn't help but feel there was an element of showing-off involved.

I wouldn't have minded had three car drivers (two women and a man) and a male lorry driver not passed while this was taking place — all using mobile phones.

When he finished, I respectfully pointed out the transgressions of these drivers.

"We'll deal with them later," was the haughty reply.

How? They were long gone and as far as I know, no note had been made of their pristine clean number plates.

Where did this take place?

Thankfully in a town outside the remit of Thames Valley Police. Our police wouldn't act in this way. Or would they?

Simon Stone, Warwick Road, Banbury