SIR - It is obvious by the use of the term "joyriders" in some of your reports that your reporters have not yet been a victim of car crime. My car was stolen on Sunday, April 21 at about 3.30pm from Smith Lane, behind the BRI. (It is a red Vauxhall Astra diesel, reg J361 UAJ, so if you see it would you please notify police).

The term "joyrider" is inappropriate as it diminishes the crime of theft. A more appropriate modern term would be "TWOCING" (taking without consent) but this is still theft.

The people who steal cars are often young children, not old enough to have a licence. They are uninsured and are a danger to other road users, especially pedestrians. Allowing oneself to be carried in a vehicle knowing it to be stolen is also a crime.

The families of many of the youngsters committing these crimes are aware of the fact but do nothing to stop them (though if they are killed or injured they make a big show of their grief).

These youngsters are thieves. They take other people's property. I agree with Home Secretary David Blunkett. Stamp down on them with harsh sentences. Make sure that crime does not pay.

Dennis Anthony Goddard, Upper Ferndown Green, Allerton.

SIR - I am the victim of a spate of 4x4 thieves. It would seem that there is an organised ring stealing 4x4 vehicles to order, either for spares or to send abroad. My Land-Rover Defender was stolen from my driveway on April 10 and has not been found.

This organised crime needs stopping. I need my vehicle to feed my livestock which are at Clayton and so these thieves have put me in a predicament. I have had to hire a vehicle to get to my horses and cattle.

I did not even warrant a visit by the police but was given a crime number.

Mrs M Adamson, Beechwood Avenue, Wibsey.

SIR - So, we have London cabbies promoting Bradford for Capital of Culture 2008 (T&A, April 22). Shame Bradfordians can't take the same initiative. Most Bradfordians don't care. It's blatantly obvious if you take a look around the place.

Bradford Council are doing a great job, but it's the people of the city who let it down so much.

I for one am most embarrassed to say I'm from this city, as are many people I have spoken to. But why?

Take a walk around the city centre (if you dare), and what do you see? Young people effing and blinding everywhere, graffiti on every street corner, litter, "bargain" shops, retail parks having to put up barricades to prevent themselves being used as drag circuits. This all contributes to turning people against their own city, their home.

Bradford used to be a good city, but now it's full of the dropouts of society. All the decent people have either left, or don't travel to the city centre.

Come on, let's do something positive to get the dregs of society to change. Then, and only then, can we start to even think of placing Bradford on any prominent stage.

Steve White, Drovers Way, Bradford 2.

SIR - Rather than the powers-that-be condemning the results of a fairly-contested, democratic election across the Channel and doing their utmost to prevent any such strong showing for the far Right here in Britain, they would do well to ask why, in places like Oldham and Burnley, former Labour and Tory voters are voting for the BNP in seemingly increasing numbers.

The mainstream parties, reluctant to address the immense problems now facing Bradford and other northern towns, where large Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities exist, have caused frustration among many within the indigenous population to such an extend that they feel a vote for the BNP is the only way to have their voices heard.

Living among an immigrant community largely devoid of any civic pride, with a reluctance to learn their adoptive country's language or customs, where forced and arranged marriages to non-UK citizens purely for economic benefit are commonplace, where Asian-on-white racial attacks seem to be on the increase... all these issues rankle with many liberal-minded non-Asian voters.

Not until we see mainstream politicians and Asian communities themselves beginning to address these issues will we see support for the BNP evaporate.

Andrew Underwood, Acre Lane, Bradford 2.

SIR - We would like to thank all those who supported the Family Fun Day at Victoria Rangers Rugby Club, Ravenscliffe, held on Saturday, April 20 (organised jointly by the rugby club and Bradford Trades Union Council).

The theme of the day was: "Kick Racism Into Touch", and while such attractions as the bouncy castle, face painting, live music from the Peace Artistes and Creative Sounds DJs and various stalls were in full swing, a mass leafleting against the racist British National Party took place in Eccleshill/ Ravenscliffe area (accompanied by a "battle bus" - thanks to the T&GWU.

A good time was had by all.

Amanda Mortimer (for Bradford Trades Union Council), Chapel Street, Bradford 1.

SIR - It is common knowledge that President Bush is planning an invasion of Iraq. He plans to slaughter thousands of Iraqi civilians in order to "topple" Saddam Hussein, who is said to be dangerous because he may possess "weapons of mass destruction".

Among their hi-tech American- donated weaponry, the brutal Israelis certainly possess nuclear weapons. When this was revealed in 1987 by a young engineer to a British newspaper, they kidnapped him in Italy, tried him in secret and condemned him to 18 years in prison. For the first ten years he was kept in solitary confinement.

His name is Mordechai Vanunu and you may write to him at Ashkelon Prison, Ashkelon, Israel. He will receive no messages mentioning his confinement or the reasons for it, but we are told you may wish him well in general terms.

Unfortunately, given Mr Blair's "shoulder to shoulder" relationship with the American President, we shall face a decision ourselves about joining the projected invasion. The monstrous contradictions should not be lost on us.

Alex Eaton, Tower Road, Shipley.

SIR - I am becoming increasingly worried by the emphasis in this paper and the national press on "rounding up truants".

Has anyone asked these youngsters why they would prefer to stay at home alone or wander the streets in wind and rain than be in school? Could it possibly be to do with the amount of bullying and disruption of lessons in school?

Perhaps they are not all delinquents. Perhaps many are the quieter and more sensitive pupils. Some may be home-educated; this is perfectly legal, and parents don't have to be qualified teachers, or to follow the National Curriculum.

Many probably are truanting either because their parents don't know their rights or are not able to stay at home with them. They need to be listened to, not threatened or "treated" until they agree to go to school.

I have been a teacher, but I wouldn't survive in one of our failing or struggling schools. Why are we so sure that vulnerable adolescents will learn and thrive in that environment?

Mrs F S Lloyd, Crofton Road, Bradford 9

l PS: If you think home education is right for your child, you can contact Education Otherwise (0207 263 4922) for advice.

SIR - As some people were aware, Sunday, April 28 was RSPCA Open Day at Mount Street. I helped out at the event and I would like to say a huge thank you to all those who helped us to raise £2,000.

I would also like to make known how much dedication and hard work goes into these events by the volunteers of the Fundraising Committee. Despite the rain and gale-force winds, they all gave up their weekends to ensure that the day was a success.

I think people need to be aware of these quiet heroes whose actions and hard work, often behind the scenes, help to save the lives of so many poor animals in Bradford.

Vikki Hensby, Scholemoor Road, Lidget Green, Bradford.