I find it hard to understand the attitude of people who purposely place people in danger or purposely set out to disrupt people’s lives by acts of vandalism and petty theft.

Each week the Argus records these mindless actions – this week it has been the theft of manhole covers.

I am sure that you can recall so many of these mindless acts:

St Sannan’s Church, where windows and doors smashed in and obscenities were daubed upon the walls.

Pontypool Park, where there have been a series of arson attacks and needles, nails and knife blades scattered on Pontypool’s rugby pitch.

Oakfield Flower Gardens, where plants have been stolen from the community flower bed planted by Llantarnam Residents Conservation Society (LLARCS).

I find it particularly hard to understand destructive attacks upon our schools, such as at Malpas Court primary school children’s play boat destroyed by fire or at Maindee Primary School where a climbing frame was set alight. What is the gain in destroying the play equipment of our youngest children?

Arson attacks on schools are senseless actions; arson is not a victimless crime. A school fire amounts to a significant public financial cost, in addition to the incalculable cost arising from the disruption of the education of hundreds of young people.

Arson is not a victimless crime, as illustrated by the Real Crisp factory fire which cost millions of pounds in damage and the loss of over 100 jobs. How can you calculate the cost of this fire to these families?

Throughout the spring and summer months the Argus outline numerous stories of acts of arson causing grassland fires. These not only place our fire and rescue service personnel in potential danger, they tie-up our emergency services and vehicles and may hinder their immediate response to vital emergency call outs.

Have we become undisturbed by such acts of vandalism within our communities?

Have we become too accustomed to litter, fly-tipping, graffiti and ‘low level’ anti-social behaviour, that we have drifted into an acceptance of all levels of undesirable conduct and the will to challenge it.

Has such an attitude arisen because we live in society where everyone has needs or rights and little concern for others?

I believe that people should not only be aware of their rights, they should also be aware of their responsibilities; together with a respect for other people’s equality of rights, their property and their environment.