Why are gorse arsonists not caught and prosecuted?

SIR, — With the recent hot weather it is terrible to see gorse fires as a result of mindless yobs. It is unfair to take fire tenders and crews out of their stations to deal with these incidents. These men do a sterling job and I send my thanks to them.

What we as a society needs is an end to this. Surely when these fire starters go home they must stink of smoke? Do parents always know where their children are and who they are with? Why do the parents not address these issues? Or do parents no longer care?

Another strand to this is where are the Police? I have never read in this paper or others of people being taken before the courts for gorse fires.

Finally if our local politicians put as much effort into combating this and anti social behaviour as they did with the St Patricks Centre Down District would be better off for it.

Yours etc.,

CHAS SMYTH,

Saul Road,

Downpatrick.