Home Secretary Jack Straw has spoken out against what he terms the "walk-on-by- society", and urged that people should take a stand against low-level crime.

Sometimes the decision on whether or not to become involved has to be made so suddenly there is no question of "walking on by".

Such a moment faced York student Chris Metcalfe, who fought back against a knife-carrying burglar. Mr Metcalfe had no time to ponder whether or not he should intervene in this particular crime because it was taking place in his house in Badger Hill, York, and the perpetrator was standing in front of him holding a knife.

At such times instinct takes over and Mr Metcalfe was so angry that he forgot his fear and punched the intruder, who fled with nothing gained but a sore face.

There are a number of lessons in this incident, not least the police warning that students should think seriously about security. All householders should be aware of the need to secure their properties but sometimes it might be easy for students to feel relaxed because they stay in their accommodation for only a short time, and they have other concerns on their minds, from studying to enjoying themselves.

Another lesson is that we all have to be vigilant about security all the time, especially as summer approaches. As the weather gets warmer, it is tempting to leave doors and windows open. A sunny day can make us feel relaxed. Sadly, the devious burglar will not be so affected and will see sunshine as an open invitation.

If the intruder seen off by 6ft 4ins Mr Metcalfe is caught, he should face a stiff sentence. Any armed burglar clearly has the intent to injure if necessary and the courts should always consider this fact. Burglary strikes fear into many in our society, making people afraid at home - the one place they should feel safe and secure.

Mr Straw is right to warn against the "moral fudge" that might see us condemning the burglar but turning a blind eye to, say, a video player of dubious provenance. We have to be against both the burglar and the dodgy bargain.

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