QUITE often we read about yet another major act of vandalism occurring in the town somewhere.

It is one of the most pointless and destructive of all criminal acts, yet it is the public who has to pay to repair the damage out of our taxes.

If New Labour want to be tough on crime, why not bring in legislation to enable courts to seize personal property belonging to vandals who get caught things like CDs, stereos, narcotics so they can be sold off at auction and the proceeds used to pay for the damage done to private or public property?

That would give them the message that their actions are not acceptable, and would make them think twice before causing damage again.

P BATES

Belsay, Toothill