I sympathise with Noel Tonna (February 10) about the sporadic thuggery in our streets and public places. I still vividly recall when still a child being pelted with stones while on a swing at the Sliema Tower Road playing field and another time, years later, being robbed while swimming at Fond Ghadir.

It is perhaps impossible for the forces of law and order to be present everywhere...- Joseph G. Bonett, Balluta

It is perhaps impossible for the forces of law and order to be present everywhere but a timed walk along popular and less frequented public areas might discourage law-breaking. Uncivil behaviour, such as unceasing car revving below neighbours’ balconies and windows, loud music at all hours of the day and night in an otherwise respectable and quiet street and neighbourhood, is only halted when residents phone the St Julians’ police station and complain or, as the case with Main Street, Balluta, when a protest is filed at the law courts.

I am sure citizens do not begrudge overtime paid to police officers leading to the reintroduction of a regular police patrol in the St Julians’ environs, which are so popular with thousands of other stakeholders and visitors.