First, please accept our apologies for the late arrival of this issue of KBzine - which was due to have been broadcast on Friday, but wasn't, due to a glitch in the type of technology we've all come to rely upon so much as we go about our work. Computer software, hardware, servers and fast Internet connections are wonderful when they work, aren't they, but as soon as something goes wrong...

To avoid any chance of us being compared to buses (all coming along at once) the issue we'd normally broadcast this coming Friday will be with you on Monday instead. Well - what better way to start the working week than to discover the latest innovations in kitchens, bathrooms & bedrooms?

Talking of tools, a friend mentioned that DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles has been grousing about how easily petty thieves get let off, when caught stealing tools from tradespeople's vans, after a worker who had volunteered to help out in the DIY SOS had been relieved of thousands of pounds-worth of tools. Apparently, Nick has said that if a judge's car was stolen, space would be found in jail for the culprit but that because a working man's tools of the trade are involved, theft from vans is considered unimportant. I understand Nick has said that van thieves receive a £60 fine.

As the now famous saying goes: 'I agree with Nick'! Well - perhaps not about the judges' cars as I'm not party to the facts, but like Nick, I'm incensed that petty thieves are let off so easily and virtually encouraged never to change their ways but instead hone their skills until they're classed as career criminals.

Knowing roughly how much these judges, barristers and others involved in our legal system earn, the cost of bringing these criminals to justice makes my eyes water. Surely it makes sense then to increase the fines for those who think it's ok to make a career out of thwarting the work schedules of others by stealing the tools of their trade? After all, it's not just the Court costs we need to consider here, but the loss of taxes because those relieved of their tools are unable to work. And what about the cost of visits to the GP because of the resulting stress and possibly long-term depression? Don't you agree that it's time the Courts got tough on petty crooks, so crime doesn't pay?

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Yours,

Jan Hobbs