Sadly anti-social behaviour is on the increase and this can take many forms.

It includes such things as passengers putting their dog mess-soiled shoes on the opposite seat on a train.

It is very worrying when this sort of act is committed by mature men who are wearing business suits.

Just as anti-social is the increasing habit, particularly amongst some young people, to sit on the back of a platform bench with their feet on the seat and not to keep them on the ground.

How many mature adults do this?

Clearly these are children who have not been taught some basic standards of behaviour and discipline.

I believe if we are to reduce major crime, then we must start with the small things.

Fine people £10 for improper behaviour.

This includes fines for dropping a single piece of litter.

Then these people might change their bad habits.

As people start to get away with minor offences, they will then proceed to carrying out more serious crimes such as drug taking and burglaries.

Many older people were brought up on fear of the cane for misbehaving.

But we all know that those who commit crime these days have more rights than many of their victims.

Many people of today need have very little fear of most types of punishment they may have to face one day.

JOHN PARKIN

Beechwood Court

West Street Lane

Carshaton

January 31, 2003 10:00