What kind of society have we become.

[anacortesdamp]

Perhaps the UK needs an Act of Parliament that would permit the use of force to protect one's life, home or family. In the US, an equivalent standard exists. It doesn't solve all problems, as the presence of personal firearms in many homes is as big a risk and there are areas of most big cities that aren't safe.

Another solution might be many more police on patrol and stiffer peanlties for mindless thuggery, but that would run taxes even higher.


Frank Damp

[Hayleypink]

it doesnt just happen up north - my mum works in a run down area (belvedere) and her school has a big problem with hooligons.

an 11 year old girl pulled a knife out on her cousin who also go to her school in the playground....it wasnt just a kitchen knife, it was one that could have killed someone...luckily when she pulled it out ready to strike a dinner lady was only a second away ready to confiscate it. The police were called but they said because the girl was under age there was nothing they could do.

[noel]

It's the opposite way round Frank, you're not allowed to use force against a burglar. They can sue. A farmer was recently jailed for shooting 2 burglars, killing one and injuring another. The injured one is applying for legal aid to sue the farmer for loss of earnings, and career restriction. ( Can't leg it away from a crime anymore ) say I cynically.

[rocketmanjohn]

I've heard it's not safe to walk through Leyland town centre at night, can this be true? Where are the police?
My home here really is my castle, and I can treat intruders any way I see fit. Surely this is a basic right. Just what are you supposed to do in England these days, make them a cup of tea?
John

[anacortesdamp]

That's just my point Noel. Parliament SHOULD change the law to permit people to protect their life and property, perhaps even with lethal force.

Frank

[noel]

Agreed Frank the sooner the better. We've become a nation of do gooders who seem to have got things totally the wrong way round, and John, yes it's true, there is a chance of getting mugged anywhere these days. A very slim chance I should add. I always avoid groups of youngsters. If you say anything to them odds are you'll get a string of abuse thrown at you. Remember the "good old days" when there was a handful of murders a year, now it's an everyday event. Many aren't even reported in the newspapers.

[Martin]

Here's an update on that story Noel.

quote:

---

War on yobs: The fightback begins

Residents fed up with marauding yobs have flooded police with inquiries following an Evening Post report.

We revealed that 17-year-old Mark "Midget" Fitzgerald – who terrorised families in the Fishwick area of Preston – received as Anti Social Behaviour Order (Asbo) banning him from a string of activities.
The thug was banned from causing alarm harassment, drinking and racially abusing residents as part of a package of conditions imposed by the court. Now people at housing estates across Preston have been contacting police find out how to put Asbos on other troublemakers across the city.
A police spokesman said: "We have been contacted by numerous people interested in Asbos."
The concept has been welcomed by community groups across the city. Just six are currently being enforced in Preston.
One of the strengths of an Asbo is that it gives strict guidelines as to how an individual must behave – and a formal procedure for police to undertake if that person fails to live by those rules.

---

http://www.prestontoday.net/ViewArticle2...eID=556217

[William R]

Some years ago, a lad in this town saved up and bought himself a motorbike. he equipped himself with a set of Leathers, and used to "go for a ride" all innocent. He went onto the car park of a famous Night Club chan and looked in through door to see what went on. The ten foot bouncer told him to go , so he grunted and turned round, to find two policemne approaching him. The bouncer said he was ejecting him as a potential trouble maker, the police arrested him for anti social behaviour in a public place and possessing an offensive weapon, a pair of gauntlet gloves with studs on them. Result, deaf magistrates, and 18 months in Hull Prison. Never in trouble before, no intent, no chance. He was a friend of my son in law, who went to visit him on as many times as he could. My point is, do the miscreants of today get the same treatment, no, because there are too many do gooders about now, so law and order has broken down. (Must watch for petrol through the door) Cheerio William R.

[anacortesdamp]

Unfortunately, murder is commonplace in the US, and is often the result of readily accessible firearms that are used in the heat of an argument. There are also many gang versus gang murders, particularly among drug pushers. I guess that's one way of eliminating that particular sub-species.

I remember statistics some years back that the number of people killed by fellow citizens in Dade County (Florida - Miami) in one month exceeded the total killed by the IRA since the start of the troubles.

We're fortunate to live in a very quiet, peaceful, law-abiding little town. The worst things are the odd drunks or druggies beating up on family or neighbors.

Frank

[Spitfire]

I find this thread most upsetting. Simply because all of it is 100% correct. There is no doubt that the police get more job satisfaction out of prosecuting drivers who exceed the speed limit by 5 MPH, than catching the drug pushers - who are the root of most of todays evils. The saddest thing of all is the feeling of total inability that one has in being able to change anything!