SIR,

So Mr Davies MP has said, apropos of the recent riots, that "force should be met with greater force".

This ancient remedy was tried by various European governments in 1914.

The result was that one single assassination escalated into the First World War.

Governments have no direct way of controlling how citizens behave.

They can however, remedy their own bad behaviour so as to lead by example.

For example, it is now the policy of many police forces not to investigate burglaries and car theft.

On the surface, everyone seems to benefit. Less work for the police; an easier life for the thieves.

Those robbed can just claim on their insurance company.

Demand for insurance rises; burglar alarm companies also do well (isn't capitalism just great?).

But this whole set-up is demoralising, lawless and corrupt.

Earlier this month we saw what happens when rioters carried it to its 'logical' conclusion in which looting became a 'victimless' crime funded by shopkeeper insurance policies.

Better by far if we go back to zero-tolerance policing.

Iain Crawford

(Wyesham)