Shocking reflection of the times we live in

I have family members buried in the cemetery and of course it contains the graves of many notable people who were the forefathers of this great city including businessmen and industrialists who put Sheffield on the map.

The Star’s front page headline asks ‘How have we come to this?’ The answer is because the present generation has unfortunately not been taught to respect and value people, property or even the dead. Due to lack of standards and discipline and the fact there are no adequate deterrents to tackle criminal behaviour we now sadly have the society we deserve.

The type of people who delight in causing mayhem have no fear of authority because they know if they are caught the punishment will only be small fines, suspended sentences or a mere slap on the wrist and so they are free to carry on wrecking, robbing and vandalising to their hearts content. Until such time as our judicial system changes and decides to hand out more severe punishments, including long custodial sentences, to those whose appalling behaviour is blighting our community then more safety precautions will inevitably have to be taken to protect unique places like the General Cemetery.

Susan Richardson

Westminster Crescent, Lodge Moor, Sheffield, S10