Mr. Seamus Sherlock:

We agree it would. However, in fairness, it is disheartening for a member of a rural community who has been burgled to learn that the person who committed it may have 60 previous convictions. Many elderly people living alone in rural areas are absolutely petrified. Our parents and grandparents worked very hard in tough times to keep this country going. It is an indictment that they are now living in absolute fear. Many of these people will not sleep if the dog barks at night. That is no way to treat our elderly and vulnerable people.