I WOULD like to tell you a story, a simple story of the world we now live in.

There I was enjoying an evening with friends at their house in Malvern when came the sound of breaking glass from outside.

Rushing out we were confronted with three youths next to my friends' car that had a window smashed. None of them would admit responsibility.

Five minutes later we stopped a passing patrol car, gave the two police officers a description and to their credit they must be commended for having them rounded up within five minutes. Marvellous we thought, now they would be dealt with the utmost rigour of the law.

However, things were not to be. It had been an accident caused by them fooling around, they said. Because of this the officer said they could not take action but my friends could write requesting they pay for the damage.

I have no complaint about the way the police handled the situation, they have a very difficult job to do and they must be complimented on their very prompt handling of the situation, but they obviously have their hands tied and have to work within latest guidelines. It is a very sad reflection of life that so little value is given to the lot of a victim of crime and vandalism.

We face a General Election and very soon most of us will be pestered by candidates and canvassers, whom, like the Olympic Games come around every four years and are not seen in between. Surely, a priority given to law and order should be at the top of everyone's list otherwise they do not deserve a vote. It is time that more care and consideration is given to the victims of crime, particularly the elderly.

RICHARD PHILLPOTTS, Nursery Road, Malvern.