WITH reference to Mr Steve Mayes comments regarding punishment to fit the crime (Gazette, January 21), I agree that a more forceful deterrent should be applied, although not the amputation of part of limb!

However, all thieves, robbers and burglars should, when tried and convicted, suffer the following system.

Compensation to the victim, repayment of all payments and costs to the insurance companies that have paid out for any claim incurred by their actions, along with a standard fine, plus court costs, plus police costs that have occurred in their apprehension.

If a helicopter was used the costs for that as well (that will make theirs eyes water at £1,500 per hour). If the little dears have been involved in shoplifting, they must pay for the items (shop price) that they have attempted to steal, plus a fixed fine and costs.

If the theft of metal signs, manholes, copper strips has occurred, any scrap metal dealer must have full documentation from the seller, and proof of who the seller is, before purchasing with the risk of losing his trading licence if found to have in his possession.

That will stop all theft of signs, manhole covers, drains etc, throughout the country, as the scrap merchant is certainly not going to risk his livelihood for the sake of some bone idle scumbags.

If again the little dears are on benefits, then an amount is deducted from their payments each week.

They will not be allowed to emigrate, unless foreign, then they are immediately repatriated to their country of origin and banned from returning to the UK.

The culprit will also not be allowed to take out a loan for any reason, unless it is to pay the costs for their misdeeds.

This stays with them for the rest of their lives until it is paid. Interest will be relatively small, but will eventually act as a deterrent.

To get out of their tangled web of deceit and thievery, they will have to get a job, and there is the answer to all those no good layabouts, that expect hard working citizens that suffer by their actions to hand them everything on a plate. – A KNIGHT – Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury.