Can we just get it clear - these were not locals doing a bit of beach combing. The locals were having their gardens trampled over by people from all over GB who came to steal. Two blokes from Middlesbrough came to steal motor bikes.

Hardly traditional. But even if it was then is shouldn't have been allowed. Bull-baiting and dog-fighting are traditional. Doesn't mean to say we should be in favour of them nowadays.

That last word was there to indicate I am not condemning those who did it long ago when social circumstances were different.