IN response to Ms Spillard and Mr Lickley with regards to ID cards, anyone who mugs an old lady is obviously after one thing - her pension. To think they would be smart enough to go steal a car and raid your three bed semi is ridiculous.

Even your current driving licence has your address on it. All I'm saying is something with a picture on it gives the vendor, whoever it is, a chance to confirm it is you they are dealing with.

Mr Lickley is correct that America doesn't have ID cards. However, everywhere you go be it the supermarket, nightclub or bank, they always ask for "your ID". This invariably means your driving licence. I did use my green card once, because I keep my British passport safe at home. My green card is a government-issued ID card for legal immigrants, and I have to carry it with me all the time.

No one ever asks for it specifically though.

Allan Phillips,

South Ash Park Lane,

Boise, Idaho, USA.

Updated: 11:12 Tuesday, July 12, 2005