Has anyone seen this letter written by a 16 year old burglar to his victim?

[headfairy]

is he being cheeky or is he right?

Actually, regardless of whether he's right or wrong, he's being incredibly rude and insensitive, but then what did they expect from a 16 year old burglar. They're not known for their sensitivity surely?

Believe it or not, some 16yo burglars are capable of seeing the wrong in what they've done, that's probably the point of the exercise, to get thru to those who can be rehabilitated. It's a first step in the process.

I don't like the letter being released though, because some people will just conclude from it that all 16yos who've ever done anything wrong are horrors and will never change.

No, he's being cheeky, although I'm not sure that covers it really. It doesn't matter what the victims did or didn't do, no one has the right to enter someone else's house and take what they like. THey could have left their back door open, makes no difference.

Dear rape victim
Blah blah blah but I'm not sorry because what did you expect? You're so dumb you went out on your own, wearing a skirt and then you smiled and said good evening as I walked past. If you're thick enough etc etc...

I don't know what else they expected but he's not right by any stretch.

that's like a hoax. some sections of the media will LOVE it.

I'm not defending it fwiw

The letter is being used in a campaign to alert homeowners to some of the more obvious mistakes ... open windows, not leaving lights on when the place is empty, etc.... that make them more of a target to casual burglars. The letter itself was never sent to the victim.

lljkk, I'm sure you're right. But as I said to someone at work just now, surely only a 16 year old would have the nerve to write something like that? Someone with a bit more experience shall we call it, would know you write what the probation service want you to. Mind you, I don't know what's worse.

cogito I suppose it makes sense to ask a burglar how people should secure their homes. This kid's got a future in home security :o

A 16 year-old scally, already pissed off about having to do community service or wear a tag for the burglary, isn't going to give a stuff about sending letters of remorse to his victims. It was obviously one of those 'make them face up to the consequences of their actions' courses that try and prevent reoffending, but they obviously haven't convinced this one that he did anything wrong in the first place.

Its a really stupid letter, because I think ISSP is one step down from a YOI - so if he fails to follow instructions too many times I think he will be back in court and sent to prison.

On the other hand, I hope the information in the letter about why they were targeted does get given to the victim, because at least then they know what they can do to reduce the chance of it happening again.

I believe that West Yorkshire Police released this to illustrate what people should do to avoid being burgled.

But the thing that concerns me is the damage it has done to the concept of restorative justice. I once attended a talk by my local force about it, and they stated that they only put offenders through it if they believe the offender will get something from it.

If this letter is from a genuine offender, I have to question the judgement of the individual(s) who put such an antisocial individual on this task.

I did hear of a similar exercise done by a judge in the US, who asked all the people they convicted for criminal offences (including murder) to write an essay explaining why they'd done it, and why they should feel bad for doing so.

Practically none of them thought it was their fault (for e.g. one man who'd killed someone when driving drunk blamed the police officers for not catching him earlier, the city for the roads being too slick etc.). It's a very natural human reaction to deny responsibility for things you did wrong and try to blame someone else (just look at the government!)

Actually, having taught 16-19 year old boys for years, the attitude does not surprise me at all. Nothing is ever their fault. A favourite phrase when challenged about bad behaviour is "But you didn't control me" Which always used to make me angry. The concept of being past the age of criminal responsibility, being old enough to vote and join the army meaning they should, by that time, be able to control themselves, never crossed their minds.