Worry for our teens

In response to Eva Simpson’s piece on violent crime (May 23), as a woman whose parents are from the Windrush generation, I grew up with all the challenges that brought. I’m also the mother of a teenage son and fear for his safety due to gangs, guns and knife crime.

In my view, victims can also be criminals and criminals can be victims. The problem is multifaceted. Police have a role to play, as does education, social care and the community.

This problem has been allowed to grow and it makes me sad and angry. Kathy Gentle-Green South London

The Environment Agency states there is a possibility of serious water shortages by the 2050s (May 23), but the question is what have the water companies done to stop these leaks? Their excuse for increasing prices has been the need to repair pipework. So if up to three billion litres a day is being lost from pipes, where has the money gone? Probably in CEO’s salaries and shareholder dividends. R Tandy, Liverpool

The advice on reducing your risk of cancer (May 24) reminds me of a joke about a doctor advising a patient. “I want you to cut out booze, cigarettes, fry-ups and burgers.” The patient asks if he’ll have a longer life, to be told, “Probably not, but it’ll seem a lot longer!” Gordon Pilkington Epsom, Surrey