How tragic that you have to report the death of animals on Shortwood Common (Staines Guardian, April 12).

This vandalism pervades our society in many ways. You have also reported on illegal vehicles on Staines Moor, but surely Inspector Greenhalgh is being too disciplinarian when she says, "we treat this matter very seriously and vehicles may be confiscated".

Similarly, my old friend Councillor Jack Pinkerton is out of touch when he writes that vehicles should be seized and crushed. Surely they both must know that Tony Blair's new punishment (following on from prisoners having keys to their cells) is to punish them with iPods.

However, I would have thought that audio anaesthesia or audio euthanasia would be illegal. Sadly Dr Sandy Muirhead of Spelthorne Council informed me that names, addresses and vehicle registration details were taken last October.

Not much - except more meetings - has taken place since.

And what can Runnymede and Chertsey police forces do when the human rights lawyers claim six figure compensation for their clients? No doubt increase our council tax to pay for it.

Wouldn't it be better for all these bored youngsters to do two years' National Service to complete their education and to learn any trade that they wish and above all to integrate with their fellow citizens of whatever race and culture?

They would also get to drive or fly any vehicle available. How sad to read that a young 19-year-old was cautioned when others of the same age are having to fight for and die for our country and freedom in what are now widely regarded as unwinnable and some think illegal wars.

TERRY LYDEN The Ryde Laleham