Di Brooks (letters 9th Jan) said:

"Liberal Democrats don't believe in jailing burglars."  

Perhaps you wouldn't expect an accurate report on Lib Dem policy from a Conservative MP's assistant but she has excelled herself this time.

Liberal Democrats are absolutely clear that criminal activity deserves swift and decisive action by the police and that violent and sex offenders should expect prison sentences. 

We consider burglary an offence against the person and expect the courts to send people to prison. That is why we would invest in 10,000 more police in England and Wales and free up police to spend less time filling in forms and more time out on the streets with new technology to help fight crime.

However we also say that SOME non violent offenders who currently receive short sentences should be made to pay back the community through tough but effective community sentences. 

Criminals owe a debt to their victims.  Non violent criminals should be made to "repay" that debt with demanding and compulsory work under strict supervision in the community.  The community should decide what work gets done and payback should, wherever possible, involve direct reparation to victims. 

Supervision and security compliance would be guaranteed by probation staff using the latest technology.  Our proposals are anything but an easy option.

Liberal Democrats believe that the victims of crime deserve this sort of support. But Di Brooks and her fellow Conservatives want you to forget the record of the last Tory government in failing to tackle crime. 

They have nothing to offer but tough talk, misrepresentation and the promise of more failure.

Brian Dash

Prospective Parliamentary Candidate

New Forest East