I note the recent comments made by Barnet's borough commander, Chief Superintendent Sue Akers (Rising crime figures 'differ' from Met's', Times Group, January 10), regarding figures in the borough.

I have absolutely no doubt that the figures Chief Supt Akers refers to in her own statement are correct.

I am however, equally confident of the figures released from my own office, which were independently compiled by the House of Commons library.

Whichever figures you choose to take, street crime has clearly gone up dramatically in Barnet.

Contrary to the tone of your report, you cannot put a piece of tissue paper between the views of the borough commander and myself, on the need for more police resources in the borough of Barnet.

Councillor Brian Coleman

GLA member for Barnet and Camden