DAY in day out we read about muggings, theft, vandalism and in some cases much worse.

Terrible events that we take in and probably mentally discard in the same instant.

It's not until you actually see the incident that the shocking nature of the crime hits home. I refer to the CCTV footage as published by the LET of an old man having his wallet taken by two youths (cowardly scum is a far better description) while boarding a local bus.

Imagine this being your dad or grandad in the picture. Suddenly the severity of this crime would feel infinitely worse.

Unfortunately, the punishment (if any) will not be anywhere near hard enough to deal with this and so the seed is planted for the next crime. I don't know the old man but wish him well.

W FLETCHER (Mr), Oak Close, Rishton, Blackburn.