IMHO burglaries are often opportunistic. In most cases there is need and this is not due to poverty (who is really poor with generous handouts and free state education?) but down to drugs and lack of work. Not enough is done to combat drug traffic and there are too many young people who are idle and see little future with no work prospects. Many min wage jobs are going to foreigners or simply no longer exist (automated or off shored) and the government is doing little to ensure young people can gain employment or even have a desire to work. Instead they are offered a useless existence on benefit topped up with a bit of crime where possible. This is due to Government policy and there has to be other solutions other than harsh prison sentences. The causes need to be tackled.

HOWEVER.....

Violent crime (as ExFH Pat talked about) should be punished with severe sentences. Not as a deterent, but just to get these nasty people off our streets. Violent immigrants should be sent home immediately, not given the opportunity to stay and reoffend. There should be no excuse or mercy for violence. In the old days hanging was too good for them.