IT seems a fact of life now that young thugs can go around causing whatever mayhem they like without fear of being hauled into court and made responsible for their anti-social actions.

The worst part is, it seems, the elderly and the most vulnerable who are suffering at the hands of these young thugs who are only brave when in a gang or when they are annoying their elderly neighbours.

We have Jack Straw going on and on about law and order and how this government is going to come down hard on these young thugs.

The truth is, law and order has broken down.

The police cannot control these thugs and the courts listen to every pathetic excuse from these trouble-makers when they are caught and they believe them.

The only punishment given is a slap on the wrist or a two-week adventure holiday abroad. The bleeding hearts and do-gooders have a lot to answer for, as do the parents of these young thugs who seem to think parenting is letting their kids run riot around the streets annoying all and sundry.

People have had enough of this lawlessness and they are sending out a message to this government and Mr Straw. We want proper protection from the police as our taxes pay their wages.

It is time these young thugs were sorted out once and for all. It is no good the police saying "We know who they are."

They should do the job they are paid for.

R CUTTING (Mr), Summersville Walk, Blackburn.