Sir.- Just over a week ago, I, and I assume several others, witnessed two mentally inadequate youngsters systematically wreck a small car and cause damage to some adjacent garages.

This happened within the confines of a block of garages, in South Ham.

Why would I describe them as "mentally inadequate"? Mainly because they exhibited no sign of any of the attributes one would expect to find in people of their age, namely social responsibility - obedience to the rules of law and order - and respect for other persons or property.

Their bodily ages would, I guess, be around 14 to 17. Who could guess at their mentality?

What infuriates me further is that, after reporting the events to the police and Kingfisher Housing Association, little appears to have been done to identify and institute proceedings against the two individuals.

Neither the police nor a representative from Kingfisher, nor anyone from Basingstoke council, seem to have bothered to gather further information from anyone living in the immediate vicinity.

Have these incidents become so common that the authorities are no longer pursuing the culprits?

I believe such youngsters should be identified and quarantined for our, and their own, safety.

Such people should not be allowed on the streets without supervision.

-Name and address supplied.