WITH elections on, all candidates in this area are promising more police and action on law and order. I'm glad to hear it. I had my window shot at last year. I dialed 999 and was told to ring the local number. After asking me five times to spell my address because they could not find it on their system, Uxbridge police said someone was coming, but nobody came that evening.

Talking to neighbours, I learned it was not the first time our flats have been targeted.

The estate behind us has no external lighting. On a dark night it is impossible to see anyone lurking between the blocks unless they are briefly caught in passing headlights. I'm too young to remember the wartime blackouts, but it reminds me of conflict zones I've seen overseas under curfews.

Only there it was to protect people from enemy fire, here the dark provided a cover for the sniper. It has not happened again, but if I lived over the back I'd be concerned that unlit areas are also handy for muggers or vandals.

Good street lighting can reduce crime and make people feel safer. Even if the police arrive quickly, you can't tell them much if you have not seen anything. Perhaps the political parties promising more police will tell us what they have done with Hillingdon Council to provide more street lights?

Charles Pottins,Ruislip