It's quite interesting the psychology of this. A Conservative spokesman hit back at Mr Straw, saying the home secretary was encouraging elderly women to risk their safety. Numbers are falling when they should be rising. That's the responsibility of the home secretary. Mr Straw's suggestion was also greeted cautiously by charities and community organisations.
Grandparents have a wealth of experience in dealing with young people and they do command respect.
There is an element of truth in what Mr Straw is saying. Younger people show deference to older people, which is a good thing. They have a constructive role and can provide an anchor in the extended family. However, if anyone is to physically get involved they must think carefully about it. Mr Straw again recalled one of his own attempts to help stop a criminal in his interview with BBC News Online.