[trebb]

When I was stationed in Italy, the small towns had "Vigilantes" who would walk about and insure nobody stole your car or broke into your place. I forget the cost, but it was pretty much extortion because if you didn't pay, you could be sure your property would suffer to make you an example of how important it was to be protected - one couple had 2 cars. One was stolen about 10 PM one night and after the cops took their notes and left, and everyone went to bed, someone came and took their other car.

They did a pretty lousy job until the mafia decided to take over their operation in our town - once they took over there was actual protection in force and they put word out that anyone making them look bad by robbing their customers would not only end up looking bad themselves, but would also have serious problems with their kneecaps....

[piytar]

I’ve heard rumors that mob protection in NYC is cheaper than NYC taxes and FAR more effective than police protection because they seriously injure anyone who violates their protection.

Of course, failure to pay also carries a nasty price.