WHILE it is good to see Jack Straw is doing his best to rid the streets of criminals, he seems to be overlooking the fact that even the police cannot get a conviction without evidence.

Unfortunately, although society wants criminals imprisoned, it is reluctant to support the police by giving evidence in court.

'Everyone' knows who the criminals are but no-one ever 'sees' them carrying out acts of vandalism or crime.

The police all too often are handicapped by do-gooders claiming to protect the rights of ethnic groups or 'innocent' children that they hardly dare to even speak to them. let alone arrest them.

The other day I saw a security officer in the town centre approach a group of rowdy youths, their immediate response was "You're only picking on us because we're black."

Even though this was not the case, I have no doubt he would have faced a full inquiry had he taken further action.

Be honest, how often have you reported to a parent that its child is a vandal, or would you be a witness if you witnessed a crime?

L LAWES, Bold Street Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.