You can’t rob houses or steal cars from jail

I REFER to an article “Breakins dog police” ( TB, 14/ 10/ 17), where the article clearly states that youths breaking into houses and stealing cars is the driving force behind Townsville’s rising crime rate.

Townsville District Office Chief Superintendent Gutheridge said there was an issue in Townsville with youth but the number of offenders was relatively small.

He went on to say that what is concerning is that there is a very small number of offenders who are capable of committing a very, very large number of offences and that is the terrifying part.

The Chief Superintendent also said bringing in bigger penalties and tougher penalties doesn’t do it.

Sir, I would suggest from my point of view and I suspect thousands in the community that these people who have complete disregard for other people and property should be encouraged to show some respect and if it means bigger and tougher penalties then so be it. It is impossible to break into someone’s house, steal car keys and then the car when you are locked up in a cell being released only when you can demonstrate that you will respect other people and other people’s property.

If the offender/ s reoffend then the sentence is increased until the offender/ s realise the will of the people will prevail. It will not be much of a life but it’s the lifestyle chosen by the offenders, it’s their choice. DAVID THOUMINE,

Cranbrook.