OK, let’s all give Thames Valley Police a large pat on the back for giving good causes £88,109 from the sale of criminals’ property (Oxford Mail, August 13). And while we are thanking the local law enforcement, let’s too thank the criminals.

After all, without them, there would be no ill-gotten gains to sell. As for these good causes relying on such donations from the police – they shouldn’t. What happens if the criminals suddenly stop in their illegal activities? That means there’s no goods to sell and therefore no more money to give. If the police are stumped when such an occasion occurs, in raising money for the causes, I can put a few suggestions their way: l Police helicopter rides (charging say £5 a head) l A police fete with the special attraction of hitting a bobby with those wet sponges (£2 a throw) l A sponsored police versus the public, Monopoly game (where the ‘get out of jail free’ cards are removed, of course). So, to sum up, well done Pc Plod and well done to our criminals, the good causes are chuffed to bits.

CHRIS BOSWELL

Williamson Way

Rose Hill

Oxford