FRANK Avenell is right to say reducing the scourge of drug addition should be treated as a top priority by society.

Not only is the quality of life of the drug addict destroyed, but ordinary people suffer as the addicts try to fund their habits through crime.

Drug addiction is the main reason why women turn to prostitution and why most men turn to a life of crime.

Statistics have shown that the vast majority of crimes such as shoplifting, burglary and muggings is committed by drug addicts.

Tougher penalties are required, coupled with a proper follow-up programme to ensure the addicts are rehabilitated into society with a job and a home and do not drift back into their old ways again.

S HALDEN

Park North, Swindon