Each week I use this space to share my five thoughts – the good, the bad and the ugly.

But I’m not selfish, so I’m also very happy to donate the space to guest writers to have their say. Write to me on the details below. 

1. Has anyone accidentally filled up their diesel car with unleaded or vice-versa recently? It’s years since I made this costly mistake, but when I tried to put diesel in my wife’s car the other day the pump nozzle wouldn’t fit. Have the fuel stations finally made the simple adaptations to the pumps to confine this mistake to history?

2. David Cameron’s “efforts” to finally take on board the issue of immigrants coming to our country to claim benefits are fooling no one. The entire electorate realises the three “main” parties have finally woken up to the threat they feel from UKIP. But, it’s not just about immigration, and whether people believe what Farage spouts is neither here nor there – people are sick of the arrogance of MPs on all sides and want to teach them a lesson.

3. Met with a top local cop this week who is doing all he can to target those most miserable of scumbags, festive burglars. Guess what he says Joe Public can do most simply to avoid becoming a burglary statistic? Buy a timer switch from B&Q for a few quid, install some trellis and put down a few bagfulls of gravel – it’s that simple.

4. You can’t sell knives on eBay – I’m sure we all understand the reasons and agree with the policy. However, in case of causing offence, flogging Jimmy Savile memorabilia is now also banned. Is that right? Why should eBay decide where morality should lie?

5. Finally, ignore my leisure editor, following several successful flights, I recommend everyone buys a drone.

Send in your 5THOUGHTS by email to aparkes@london.newsquest.co.uk, send on Twitter to @parkestheeditor Send through Facebook to facebook.com/newsshopper