I think that most people accept now that it's a given that the vast majority of (for want of a better word) rioters were just opportunistic thieves. However, there has always been a pretty active anarchist element within UK society, and surely, a large part of the reason the Establishment is attempting to be seen to be cracking down hard on these thieves is their real concern that the anarchists (or, pick your own particular favourite political or religious hate group) will attempt to spring something similar to the last week in London during the Olympics.
Comments?
Edited to add that I have to agree with the comments about the politicians who rorted their allowances. Particularly for politicians, the old adage about Caesar's wife should apply. Each one found guilty of having done so should have been kicked out of office and banned from holding any public office or collecting any pension associated with that office for the rest of their lives.
Not that that will ever happen.