Why are people so down on the police?

..well you didnt really set out that it was only cycling tems in your original post. I can see your point I really can but all I can say is there is a heavily seated opinion of the police in the UK by the majority of the population that needs to be changed, but how can we do that? maybe when we see a difference?

Thanks for a reasoned response, I didn't set that out perhaps as clearly as I should have. I think it has to be 6 of 1 and half a dozen of the other. If when the police are being really positive regarding things like, finally, cracking down on organised bike theft then a very positive and vocal response from those who benefit, cyclists, can only be a good thing. And help to further build positive relations.