"Bored" yobs

[Mr E]

I've wanted to hold my tongue on these topic today, but what the hey.....

My personal belief is that what we see today is because we have developed a materisalist society - your success or otherwise is measured by yourself and others by what you have.

Very stereotypical but.....

Upshot - we feel overly attached to our possesions and go all out to protect them. Downside - others want what we have in order to make them feel good about themselves...which feed crime directly (or indirectly - supply and demand and such).

I was wondering why someone would risk a footchase over a broken window, mouthing off at someone who cut me up or whatever (an no criticism is intnded at those who may have done this - it's a personal choice). I have one precious, non-negotiable thing in my life - my family. Why risk that for a TV, car, or anything that i can go out and replace the next day?

I can't be replaced, and neither can the wife and kids - they're the things worth putting yourself on the line for.....

 

[glojo]

I can't be replaced, and neither can the wife and kids - they're the things worth putting yourself on the line for.....

Unfortunately you will only be preaching to the converted. I totally agree with what you have said and to be poetic... Your a long time dead.

To highlight your excellent point.....

I am a quite a big bloke 6' 6" and just over 18 stone.

Many, many years ago I saw someone inside a neighbours car. It was pitch black, and 3am in the morning. I knew my neighbour was in bed so I went up to the car, opened the door, asked the young gentleman what he was doing and things then went downhill.

When he got out of the car he managed to get by me and run off into the darkness, but after a short chase through gardens and a couple of hedges (which we crashed through) I caught the young gentleman. This time I twisted my hand around the top of his shirt and frog marched him towards a nearby public telephone. Out of the darkness a bloke came up and asked if I wanted help? I thanked him but declined the offer.

This person then walked pass me and I carried on towards the telephone box..... The next thing that happened was me somersaulting over the top of the fella I had hold of and falling to the ground semi conscious. The person that had walked pass me had turned around and hit me across the back of the head with a large iron bar.

One hand was still wrapped in the misguided gentleman's shirt (we were now both on the floor) but with the other hand I tried to get back up on my feet. Unfortunately Mr 'Iron bar' failed to comply with the Queensbury rules and hit me a couple more times on the head and trust me... when you have been whacked about the head with an iron bar several times you can be Mike Tyson for all the good it would do you. Luckily for me the two thugs run off and when I came round, I made it to the telephone box and contacted the local Police.

Both offenders were caught within two hours.... mainly because a) I still had half the gentleman's shirt and b) they were covered in my blood, so could not really deny the assault. The piece of shirt I had matched hte torn, shredded remains the idiot still had on.

I tell this story simply because it might point out the absolute stupidity of chasing after someone and you don't know what is at the end of the chase.

By the way the chap that had the iron bar was an accomplice that had broken into another vehicle and had simply followed us, seen the size of me and cheated. we can all talk big and act brave, but in the cold light of day, my marriage could have been over before it really took off and my widow could have got rich off my insurance.

Oh and both offenders pleaded guilty to all the offences (theft and GBH) but because it was the first time they had been caught and because they apologised (I was in hospital for two weeks and never knew about this.) They actually went to prison for three months???

Take note of what Mr E has said.

Edit: Just read Brett's post and again I agree whole heartedly with his sentiments

Regards,
John the sensitive

 

[Brett]

the thing is where do you draw the line,, a few people have said " it's only a piece of metal ", let them take it,, what if they're in your house taking your tv,, do you stand there and say to yourself, " it's only a tv ",, let them take it,, you might as well put a sign outside your house saying "come on in and help yourself ",,

no for better or worse i'd have to have a go,,

Fine - that is your decision and you are obviously fully entitled to it. For me however, my missus and young son come 1st, 2nd and 3rd in my life - everything (and I mean everything) else is replaceable. My father reacted as many here have suggested they would, and I can't blame him for it. It has taught me a very valuable lesson though, and I won't risk my life for a material possession which can be replaced.

I often wonder how my father would enjoy being a grandfather now (he was in his 20's when he was killed). Incidentally, his killers were never caught and they took his car anyway. Was it really worth it? No replies expected, but ask yourself the question.

 

[Dieselman]

I've wanted to hold my tongue on these topic today, but what the hey.....

My personal belief is that what we see today is because we have developed a materisalist society - your success or otherwise is measured by yourself and others by what you have.

Very stereotypical but.....

Upshot - we feel overly attached to our possesions and go all out to protect them. Downside - others want what we have in order to make them feel good about themselves...which feed crime directly (or indirectly - supply and demand and such).

I was wondering why someone would risk a footchase over a broken window, mouthing off at someone who cut me up or whatever (an no criticism is intnded at those who may have done this - it's a personal choice). I have one precious, non-negotiable thing in my life - my family. Why risk that for a TV, car, or anything that i can go out and replace the next day?

I can't be replaced, and neither can the wife and kids - they're the things worth putting yourself on the line for.....

Isn't this the whole topic of this discussion.

You are correct that many people are more materialistic and that we have to accept that one is in danger if one attempts to stop a criminal taking what is rightfully yours, however that doesn't make it right.

One reason why someone would risk a chase over a broken window is to catch the criminal responsible so that justice can be served, hopefully stopping said criminal doing the same to someone elses property. If nobody stands up to criminals we will soon be in a state of anarchy.

The law needs realligning to support the law abiding citizen and to offer less support to the criminals.

The law appears to be hopless at protecting the general public and thats before there are any poor Policing issues involved.
I fully undestand that the Police need to obtain evidence from both parties involved in an issue, but in itself this disadvantages the member of the public bacause they will generally tell the truth and the criminal will lie and blame the other party.

 

[Iyse]

yes,, read it,,

heard similar tales before,, but i know from my past experience, that when someone's trying to take something that belong's to me,, i dont stand there and mull it over,, i stop them,, it's like a reflex action,, and the thing is where do you draw the line,, a few people have said " it's only a piece of metal ", let them take it,, what if they're in your house taking your tv,, do you stand there and say to yourself, " it's only a tv ",, let them take it,, you might as well put a sign outside your house saying "come on in and help yourself ",,

no for better or worse i'd have to have a go,,

Unfortunately I agree. It seems me and coupe freak are the only two on here crazy enough to support such outrageous methods. I believe that if there's an attempt at robbery, you do nothing apart from call the police. They somehow get away with it or worse, YOU get charged, you become more of an easy target.

Striking fear by using threats/actualy means wether it be immediately or soon after the event on the parties guilty is the only way to make them realise: 'You try it again, you'll be leaving with broken legs so you can't ****ing drive the car you've stolen away.' The sweetest sound in this case is hearing bones snap. Being someone who has a rep of 'not to be messed with' is a powerful message.

 

[Iyse]

The law needs realligning to support the law abiding citizen and to offer less support to the criminals.

The criminals should be given an ultimatum. Straight up or face the firing squad. Ofcourse, now I'm just talking about a police state.

 

[Rumble]

Thats the core of it, why is it we have to be the ones to dish out the punishment? Its because the state is too lenient with the scums of society and leave us no choice. Given the split second choice i would rather die than be someone elses biatch.

It comes down the little things, i can let pass someone taking a parking spot i've been waiting for for 10 mins, i can take the childish words that come out of peoples insecure mouths when they feel that profanity and racism are the only things that make them feel big, i can take the drunk falling over and causing me a little uncomfort whilst i dry the beer spillage BUT someone threatening and using physical violence can expect no sympathy from me, none whatsoever (the phrase 'Daddy what did you do during the war?' comes to mind).

The law and judiciary system needs to realise they serve us and they should deliver.

 

[Pietre]

Several years ago I was burgled whilst I was at work. The idiots involved carried on entering the house even when my neighbours returned home from shopping, so they called the police. The outcome was that the police caught the burglars leaving the house, so I had no clue at that time who they were or anything description wise. Because they were both under 18 they were bailed and informed that if they had any problems from me finding out who they were, they were to notify the police and I would be behind bars within the hour. It turned out that one of them was the brother of a lodgers best friend. But how could they be told I could be arrested and jailed whilst they are out to burgle again. They asked for 35 other offences to be considered when it came to court. They got 6 months probation. Now tell me we have a JUSTICE system!