Sir.-After Mr Joe Robertson's letter regarding the elderly versus the burglar, I was tempted to write again, questioning his attitude to his fellow citizens.

I held back to see if anybody else found it offensive, as I had already had a go for his lack of understanding to motorists over parking.

Sure enough, Dave Christy took up the battle (Friday, December 10). He even used the word "smug", as I had two weeks before.

Mr Christy pointed out that some people still have faith in human nature and rely on others to help them and not to harm them. It's called being good neighbours.

Credit cards and banks have never entered some people's lives. How would they get to a bank anyway? Therefore, they must have some cash in hand.

Unlike Mr Robertson, not many live in an ivory tower, protected by electronic locks, alarm systems and, possibly, CCTV. With your own parking space within walking distance of the town centre, and shops on your doorstep, no wonder you feel so self-satisfied. Just count your blessings.

Joe, just remember, one day, the electrics will fail or somebody leaves the door open to let the boyfriend in, and, as sure as eggs, those two thieves will be up knocking at your door and pushing their way in. No good asking for ID then. Just "be afraid, be very afraid".

Come on Joe, loosen up, and together let's wish all our readers "A happy and uneventful Christmas and New Year".

Next thing you know, you may be hanging mistletoe from the banisters.

-Bill Yalden, Hawthorn Way, Basingstoke.