I beg to differ. The comparison between the Middle East and England is incorrect, if not inaccurate. It is noteworthy that these two countries are at contrasting stages of economic developments, hence, crime rates will accordingly be different. Also, it's specious to say that victims' rights should take precedence over criminal's human rights. Why can't the former and latter be subjected to equal treatment?

By the way, your proposal of a more severe punishment to curb crime rates is highly inconclusive. Take Malaysia for example, where the act of drug trafficking carries a mandatory death sentence. Yet, nearly everyday we see and read of brave souls who transport huge amounts of drugs into the country.

Phoon, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

What a ridiculous statement, we are already on the way to a police state and this will not help at all, why does Mr Cameron think the situation is as bad as it is ? could it be because the ordinary people on the street see the police force for what they are becoming, a force used to oppress them and not to help them, I wonder what the family of the deceased Mr Menezes think of even more police powers ? A short does of reality is needed for the idiots in power as well as a radical shake up of the police force higher echelons

Keith Reidie, Letchworth, U.K.

more police, more stop and search - guaranteed to make the streets safer. and if certain groups feel they are being picked on repeatedly, tough. it's better than being shot, robbed or hounded.

prison should be so horrible that no one wants to go. forget tv, gym and library. prisoners should be made to work and learn. and they should be educated in acceptable behaviour - manners and consideration for others need to be taught and parents clearly aren't up to it.

of course, with more police on the beat, crime would be prevented. and there'd be less need for prison. a bobby on every corner would be nice.

jem, london, uk

Surely if a punishment is severe enough then crime will drop, and poverty and low wages are not the cause; the middle east has both but the crime rate is low enough to be negligible compared with England. And forget about human rights for criminals before and during punishmment, shouldn't victims' rights take precedence? And as for the situation of a criminal who receive compensation for being hurt when his life was being saved after attempted suicide makes a mockery of the justice system - he received more compensation than many severly injured victimes. The law in england is a joke, maybe that's why the influx of criminals to this country is higher than any time in history - including the likes of the roman invasion.

TP Southport, Southport, England