A better way to tackle crime...

SIR - So Councillor Tim Crowther believes that the best way to deal with crime is to bribe criminals into grassing on their mates ("I'll give cash to combat crime!", T&A January 13). This would seem to be a clever way of catching wrong-doers, exploiting the criminal class's essential dishonesty and grasping nature.

However, is there any evidence to prove that the Crimestoppers reward scheme does anything to actually reduce crime in any given area?

Obviously if a criminal is caught and put behind bars he cannot commit any more crimes, but it has always been my understanding that criminals such as muggers, burglars, etc, like all predatory species, are territorial in nature, and so if one is removed, another will simply move in to take his place.

Just as the belief that foxhunting can be an effective means of pest control is a fallacy, so is the idea that crime can be tackled effectively one criminal at a time, which is what Crimestoppers appears to be attempting.

Surely Coun Crowther would be better off contributing his £100 a month to a Neighbourhood Watch scheme if he really wants to reduce crime in Heckmondwike.

Phil Corrigan, Evesham Grove, Bradford 10

Recycling plea

SIR - Attention is being drawn to recycling sites in Bradford area. There is not one within easy reach of Claytonians who have no car.

The Clayton park site was abused by people dumping stacks of paper and crates of beer bottles on the ground instead of in the bin. Finally the plastic bins were fired by local vandals.

Morrisons at Girlington involves two bus journeys. Our waste paper is taken to Keighley, Ilkley or Halifax.

I phoned the Council offices, asking for a site in the city central area. The reply was helpless: "Where shall we put it?" Is it beyond officials' wit to discover some usable place?

D Hartley, Irvine Terrace, Clayton.

A sick joke

SIR - It was quite ironic to read (T&A, January 20) that the police are trying to cut back on burglaries in the Saltaire area because this has come at the same time as the Lord Chancellor suggested that first and second-time burglars should not be sent to jail.

Once again the police are fighting their battle against crime with one arm tied behind their backs; and once again it is the Government and its cronies of do-gooders who are doing the tying.

It is already unlikely that a burglar will be caught (only about one in 20 crimes lead to a conviction) and now they will have to be caught three times before they can expect to be sent to jail. This means that the average burglar will now carry out their crime 60 times before they are likely to be sent to prison!

"Tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime" was the Labour spin before they were elected. This has turned out to be a very sick joke.

No wonder the police go for the easy target of motorists not wearing seatbelts.

Philip Davies (Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate for Shipley), Otley Road, Shipley.

Useless advice

SIR - After numerous hi-jackings of cars in Bradford, police advise motorists that if they think they are being followed and a likely target, they should drive to the nearest police station.

What the police have not told them is where, outside the city centre, can a 24-hour manned station be found?

Perhaps through the T&A the police could publish a map showing the location of these elusive stations. I do not think it will take up too much space!

James L Sutcliffe, Crowtree Close, Baildon.

pension joy

SIR - Re "Pension fund is healthy" (T&A, January 8). I would like to join in the tributes paid to West Yorkshire Pension Fund by Councillor Simon Cooke, deputy leader of Bradford Council.

Being a recipient of these funds, it gives me joy to know of its sound footing.

Pity some other council departments working solely for Bradford Council cannot be paid similar tribute.

S Walsh, Church Street, Bingley.

Labour lunacy

SIR - May I through your ever-interesting Letters columns point out the lunacy of the present Government.

They would like pensioners to continue working until they drop to pay for the upkeep of illegal immigrants and asylum-seekers!

Doesn't the Government know they are importing terrorists?

As for gun control, I'm afraid it's too late. The villains have them and will keep them. This country is far too soft. History will prove me right.

G E Sykes, Jacana Way, Clayton Heights.