SIR – It is sad to read that a proportion of the Bradford public are abusing/assaulting wardens, whose remit is to serve the public of this city (T&A, December 26).

In no way do I condone such nonsense but perhaps it may be timely to remind Bradfordians as to the distinction and relevance between PCSOs, council wardens and the West Yorkshire Police force? Would the same individuals be so dismissive of police officers – I think not?

It would appear breaking the law is now seen differently by some in the context of whom they encounter enforcing it?

This needs serious consideration as valuable resource is being diverted from ‘real’ policing, at a time when ‘real’ police officer numbers are dwindling.

New York Police Commissioner, William Bratton, long ago suggested his ‘broken window theory’ ie on a building if a window is broken and remains unrepaired – another is broken as apathy takes hold. Someone breaks the law here and there is no response, the onlooker thinks ‘okay, no one cares – why should I?’ Over the years, the function of policing had become blurred – time to sharpen the focus please?

John Murphy, Cooper Lane, Bradford