Dave Grylls, of Wolverton Drive, Kingsteignton, writes:

I am sure that most Kingsteignton townspeople are appalled by the wilful damage caused at Clifford Park as reported in last week's Kingsteignton edition.

Something really needs to be done to combat the ever increasing vandalism throughout the town. Someone must see the culprits, particularly at Clifford Park; after all it is overlooked on all sides.

I wonder if probably people in the area feel threatened with reprisal should they report such actions. If the culprits live around the area, as they often do, and are witness to the visit of the police to certain households after such incidents, this would put this particular household in line for some sort of reprisal. I sincerely think that this is what residents are afraid of.

Ultimately it is down to some creditable form of firm policing and firm action to deal with the offenders. All credit to the PCSO but she appears to be fighting a losing battle.

Walking around the town at night it is really not too hard to see potential trouble makers and particular hot spots. All youngsters are not the same and there are some nice youngsters out there. There is however a decidely bad element out there, and, whether fuelled by drugs or alcohol, are hell bent on making it truly miserable for the remainder of society.

I note the damage estimate is about £7,500 for the repair, which ultimately we shall all wind up paying in some form or another. Perhaps the parents, relatives or friends of these monsters should take time out to realise that the monies for repair or whatever ultimately comes from taxes or increased council tax.

When the looming cuts bite we shall all be shouting about taxes and so forth. Overall the greater part of the innocent suffer with the guilty.

The police condemn the vigilante approach, but is it not apparent that unless action is swift and decisive this is exactly what you encourage.

Arrest, convict, fine, name and shame – not in three months' time but now.

Let us see some immediate action to stop vandalism and the littering of streets and the general attitude of 'up-yours' towards responsible people.MORE LETTERS IN OUR ONLINE EDITION