WHENEVER I read reports of acts of mindless vandalism by young yobs, there is always a comment by some moron telling us that the little darlings are bored.

If they are bored, why aren't they constructive instead of destructive? Why don't they clean the graffiti that is scrawled around the city instead of adding to it? Why don't they learn to mend cars instead of destroying them? Why don't they clean a pensioners' windows out of generosity instead of smashing them in an act of malice? Why don't they help to build a youth club instead of destroying them?

The fault is ours. We have stood by as they have marched down the court steps giving us the two fingers sign, along with a mouthful of verbal abuse. We have watched as they have been allowed to go back to their estates strutting like peacocks in front of their victims and normal youngsters who might be influenced by them.

How much better for us all it would be if they were treated for their abnormality in a mental institute and sent back to their estates sedated. Who would look up to them or be in fear of them then?

I know some people will say that they are not mentally defective, but just normal kids enjoying themselves.

Do normal kids set alight explosive fireworks that they have tied to a dog; or drive vehicles into a flock of sleeping sheep; or pour petrol over horses and then set it alight; burn cars for the fun of it; or smash people's windows because they enjoy it?

Not in my book.

Derek M Martin,

Fulford Road,

York.

Updated: 10:53 Friday, November 12, 2004