IWHAT on earth has come over the youth of today? Why have they to damage and destroy other people's property for their idea of fun?

A few weeks ago the crew of a Burnley fire engine was stoned by youths who had caused the fire.

A supermarket was burned down in Accrington, allegedly by a 10-year-old child.

On April 19, 60 firefighters attended a mill blaze at Farnworth, the building had just been modernised and contained 10 businesses, it also closed five streets and a nursery school.

Then there was the fire at Rockfield Mill, Blackburn which has destroyed a number of businesses.

These fires have caused upset and hardship to all the workers employed at these premises.

The police say its just a juvenile prank! If the kids are caught which I doubt, it will be a slap on the wrist and don't be naughty again.

They can't be named for legal reasons. What reasons?

If they are old enough to commit crime they are old enough to be named and shamed.

What they need is a clip round the ear and all their personal possessions -- TV, radio, sports gear, designer clothes, computers, etc., should be taken from them and placed on open land and set on fire.

They should then be made to take a paper round or any part-time job to replace the items.

Then and only then will they realise the upset and hardship they have caused to so many decent people and their families.

FRANK CROMPTON, Lightbown Street, Darwen.