It's a sad day when, as a parent, I have to be relieved that police officers are standing guard at schools ( 'Cops on guard at school gates' Times, Feb 28).

But as it clearly is necessary, I would like to congratulate Ealing's police for taking this brave step.

I hope that this initiative goes hand in hand with an education programme.

I'm sure that most of these kids are not really hardened criminals, it's just that stealing phones is fashionable.

Helen Lewis

Southall Road

Southall