Spotting a peacenik by the newspaper they read | Brief letters

Guardian policing | Going commando | Underwear shrinkage | Talking to strangers | Leg stoma bags Some years ago, my sons travelled with Aston Villa supporters going to Wolves. A young policeman picked them out at the railway station along with others to be shepherded to the ground. But an older sergeant advised the constable: “Not those two – that one’s got a Guardian under his arm.” How’s that for peacenik recognition? Non-bearded, they weren’t even wearing sandals. David Drew Birmingham • There’s a simple solution for those concerned with running their washing machine at 60C to wash underwear or risking contamination ( Letters, 24 February ) – take the military option and go commando. Dr Bob Aron Ilkley, West Yorkshire Continue reading...