WHEN Ray Mallon told a meeting attended by Tory leader Michael Howard that he wanted street wardens to smash doors down, drag criminals from their houses, bring them back to police stations and not worry about human rights legislation, he knows he overstepped the mark.

But although senior police officers were forced to distance themselves from his remarks, the Mayor of Middlesbrough's sentiments struck a chord with many ordinary people.

That is because there is an undeniable public appetite for the rights of criminals to be reduced and the rights of their victims to be given greater emphasis. The balance has to be redressed.

With a General Election widely expected to be called next spring, the main political parties have therefore been falling over each other to be the champions of the fight against anti-social behaviour.

The result is a welcome reassessment of how law-breakers can be properly punished, and how their victims can be adequately protected.

Yesterday's announcement by Tony Blair of new powers to combat anti-social behaviour is the latest step towards strengthening Labour's credentials for a third term, and slamming the door of opportunity on the Opposition.

The fight is being taken to the grass roots, with parish and town councils being given new powers to fine those who plague communities with excessive noise, graffiti or litter.

And it is becoming increasingly hard to see what else Mr Howard can do to compete without crossing a Mallonesque line on human rights.