Sir, - During a week of confusion from the Labour Government as to whether burglars should be locked up or not, it was refreshing to read Spelthorne Labour Party's views on the subject (Guardian, January 9).

Spelthorne Labour says no new prisons should have been built since 1997, meaning the prison population should be reduced by almost half - back to the level it was before Labour came to power.

It's a nice dream but the reality is that in the past five years, the crime rate has exploded, with gun crime having more than doubled, and burglaries, car thefts and violent attacks all now rising.

I doubt any victims of crime, or the majority of us who fear we're next to be burgled or mugged, will be voting Labour this year. It's time to update Blair's famous mantra: Tough on Crime? Tough for the victims of crime!' - Graeme Reid, Spelthorne Conservative Association.

January 31, 2003 09:30