SIR: In the light of recent events such as the Hammersmith bomb attempt, and the continued high levels of Crime, we would like to draw your attention to a solution which has strong scientific evidence to commend it. All other approaches have repeatedly failed, are increasingly expensive and only come into effect after the damage is done.

Forty-two studies have shown that Transcendental Meditation and Yogic Flying, when practised in large groups, reduce violation of Natural Law throughout society, evidenced by reductions in stress and negative social trends such as crime and terrorism.

A study published this month in Psychology, Crime and Law reports on the effect produced by a group of Yogic Flyers on the crime rate in Merseyside between 1988 and 1993. While national crime rates rose by 50 per cent, Merseyside crime fell by 13.4 per cent - an overall relative fall of 63.4 per cent. Other studies show that positive trends such as economic optimism, employment, and productivity increase.

The scientific community, including leading British criminologists, recognise the validity of this approach - now is the time for politicians to take advantage of these new findings. Prevention is better than cure.

Lewis Walch, Bolton Natural Law Party

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