I TOO agree with Brian Derbyshire and the others about bringing back the birch, but some while ago when I said it to one young do-gooder, the reply was "Oh no, God sees them, he knows what they've done."

Try saying that to some poor soul who has had their face smashed almost to a pulp, I don't think it would be much consolation. I think that's taking turning the other cheek a bit too far. In other words, as long as God knows what they've done, it's all right for murderers and rapists to walk the streets as free as the birds.

I too was brought up in a God-fearing family, but it makes my blood boil when I think both my husband and my brother, and thousands more like them, served this county for 21 years. And all for what? To have these yobs terrorising old people in their own homes, and also making them afraid to go out in case they are either burgled or mugged.

Mrs Vera Dale

(Address supplied)