[QUOTE=Atlantia]The crime figures are actually a subject of some contention at the moment over here. It really depends on how you read them, but our rates of violent crime OVERALL is roughly steady or declining. Some areas have shown slight increases, and there in lies the contention as some of the rises have been attributed to better detection, recording and increased reporting, while other areas have shown a decrease. Anyway the UKs figures are a whole thread in themselves.
Hi Atlantia.
Thanks for bringing me up to date on how things stand in the UK.
I came to Canada in 1984, and have never been back.
I would like to question the crime rate being static or falling.
What I must ask, is;
Compared to when?
Over ten years, maybe so, but compared to the 60's, 70's or even early 80's it is Way out of control.
Where we lived in the industrial north, you could go anywhere safely, not lock your door, and not expect trouble. (In late 50's and 60s)
Now, in the Same area, (around Middlesbrough) It is plain not safe to be out on a night, and as for non-violent crime, the cops don't turn up if a vehicle is stolen, they just tell you to 'phone insurance.
The village of Normanby, close to the farm I grew up on, was a quiet little spot, Now, the cops if chasing a suspect, turn 'round and go home if they get to the town limit. If they follow, they are showered with bricks or whatever.
( we still have relatives over there)
A relative of mine was sitting on a wall outside his house in another village. (Same area)
Some punks came along, asked if he had any dope, ..told them to get lost, and as he got up, one kicked him and broke his nose.
He let the lad go, (did contemplate breaking his leg, as he had a hold of it & is a black belt.)
Went with his dad to see the police.
You know what he was asked by the police??
".....Why didn't you get a stick and smash his face in?" !!
Doesn't this show the level of frustration amongst the police force?
This relative's old man asked, " can we have a sniff around, see if we can find him?"
Police answer; " Yes, but if you get him, let us know, and we won't go looking for anybody"
Eegads! and I used to play and ride mi bike around there!
No respect for anything or anyone.
All I can say is, if half the population was packing heat, some of these punks would think again.
Footnote;
The guy that broke P's nose, later gate-crashed the chief superintendant's daughter's B.day party.
when she wouldn't let him in, he head-butted her and broke Her nose.
I think about that time, he was put on a hit list, or at least a "hurt" list.
They got him.
It was professionals.
Took out his cheek-bones, and mashed both hands.
I grieve for that country.
So again, compared to when is violent crime down?
I would love it to be down, but think that figures are being messed with, so the powers that be do not look so inept.
Best wishes,
Richard.
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