Letter: Ban car alarms or expect rage

Sir: The audible car alarm has become an appalling blight upon our urban existence.

They now cease to serve any useful function. Their purpose, as an alert to possible theft, is now largely, if not completely, ignored. The owner is usually absent and the only people disturbed are those living in the street who are unable to switch it off.

Recently in my street the police were called at 3am to "attend" an alarm "audibly disfunctioning". Helpful and polite though they were, they were unable under present legislation to obtain access to turn it off. In plain English, they were not allowed to break in.

I believe it is beyond time for legislation banning these obsolete accessories, preferably before we have a case of "alarm rage".

CRISPIN CALDICOTT

London W2