London pickpockets abound
 

Last night on B B C t v there was a very edifying documentary about the actions of groups of picpockets on Oxford Street in London. The local authorities have put in new closed circuit t v cameras that can see close up, and this programme used the footage of this and footage of the police officers who monitor the crimes as they happen. I saw teenagers working in groups of 2 or more stealing purses and wallets from bags in broad daylight. Their 'skill' was amazing. <BR>The police officers also said that they target tourists, especially females. <BR>None of the victims looked particularly clueless or naive. <BR>The police say for every criminal action they stop or they punish, there are 20 others they don't manage to stop. Beware!

All very true but wasn't it refreshing to see Police taking a pro-active approach with these youngsters. I can't say the same for the Police in other european countries - at least that's my experience. <BR> <BR>Shoppers on Oxford Street should feel more comfortable knowing that petty thieves are being watched and targetted. <BR> <BR>There have been many discussions about picpockets and the same advice still stands. Take sensible precautions wherever you are and don't put valuables in your backpack.

Oxford Street is renown for this type of petty crime. I was warned, so carried only hanky, comb andl lipstick in my little bag. While looking at shoes at the Clarks shoe store on Oxford, and while distracted, my little purse was stollen. I was vaguely aware of a heavy set woman sitting near me, but assumed she was looking to try on a pair of shoes. Oh well, not a great loss, and the store keeper was so embarassed he let me choose a new bag from his stock, no charge.

Last night on PBS we watched Part 2 of Britain's Finest Hour. What a shame that so much has changed for the worse in a once great London!

I too have had experience with pickpockets in Oxford street. I have been to London many many times but mostly out of the main tourist season. I have never had problems out of season, but in season was another story, so I think they come out of the woodwork to prey on the tourists. I think that this happens all over the world, not just london. I must add that within minutes of the attack, there was a policeman on the scene and although there was really nothing he could do, he was very kind and insisted on taking down the details. The next day I was contacted by Victum Support who offered to help in anyway they could. It's great to know that someone cares.

I too have had experience with pickpockets in Oxford street. I have been to London many many times but mostly out of the main tourist season. I have never had problems out of season, but in season was another story, so I think they come out of the woodwork to prey on the tourists. I think that this happens all over the world, not just london. I must add that within minutes of the attack, there was a policeman on the scene and although there was really nothing he could do, he was very kind and insisted on taking down the details. The next day I was contacted by Victum Support who offered to help in anyway they could. It's great to know that someone cares.

Government figures released today show that in the Metropolitan Police area, which covers 6.9 million people living in and around London (plus the 28 million visitors each year), there were 36,015 robberies in the period April 1999 to March 2000. Whilst a lot of crime goes unreported, this figure puts concerns about crime into the proper context. And in the whole of England there were just 765 murders. In 1999, there 641 murders in Chicago alone. (Guess which has the tougher gun laws...)

actually, Julian: Washington DC, New York City, and I believe Chicago, all have gun restriction laws that are equally as tough as the UK (ie all guns are essentially confiscated). <BR> <BR>The fallacy is believing that gun restrictions = fewer murders ...it doesn't, and that has been debunked, for example, studies by Yale University researcher John Lott. <BR> <BR>In the US, this is one of those classic, divisive, "hot button" issues (like abortion) that is more about political maneuvering than it is about truly preventing loss of life.

Oh, it's 765 murders in England and Wales, not just England (the Scots do their own thing...)

I wondered how long the NRA would take to respond....8 minutes - that's pretty impressive.