WELL, didn't the residents of Harwood Street and surrounding streets in Darwen have a good start to the new year? The majority of them awoke on New Year's Day to find the windows on their cars all smashed up.

Is it any wonder, though, when there is no police presence anywhere on the streets and no proper punishment when the vandals are caught?

I do not blame the ordinary policemen, but the people at the very top of the force and the Government.

Jack Straw talks about being tough on crime -- it's an absolute joke.

It's about time the Government stopped hanging on to every word the do-gooders say and listened to the ordinary decent people of this country, otherwise, they may find a rebellion brewing.

There is only so much decent people will take and patience is wearing very thin now.

WENDY WESTERN (Mrs), Harwood Street, Darwen.