Madam, It is becoming quite obvious that local crime continues to pay. Indeed, the inside columns of the Ross Gazette record each week a never ending tide of reports of theft, violence and criminal damage around the area.

Perhaps the perpetrators pride themselves in being able to evade capture - but there is nothing to be admired in the wilful damage to property, and the suffering and anxiety it causes as a result.

With future government cut-backs depleting police resources yet further, it will become even easier for the spineless criminal element to take the exit road onto next defenceless victim.

The only way to deal with such unruly and violent behaviour is to issue more custodial sentences, in the first place, regardless of age, social strata or the 'nanny state' attitude.

An Asbo or Crasbo will quite simply no longer do.

Name and address supplied