Posted on 06/21/2016 6:54:19 AM PDT by massmike
Police have told residents in one of London’s most affluent neighbourhoods they should arm themselves with “keys and umbrellas” after a string of street robberies.
Scotland Yard said a group of two to four hooded men in their twenties have been seen prowling Hampstead Garden Suburb in a dark car, ambushing women and stripping them of their jewellery as they step outside their homes.
The enclave just north of Hampstead Heath, where detached mansions fetch upwards of £20 million, is home to many celebrities including TV presenters Jonathan Ross and Richard and Judy Madeley.
Pc Edward Bromilow, ward officer in neighbouring Frognal, circulated a newsletter warning residents of the “troubling” series of robberies.
He told them: “You can use as much force as you can to get away, as long as it’s reasonable to the threat. You can even use things like keys
and umbrellas, so you don’t need to carry items specifically to defend yourself.”
The officer also advised residents to consider buying personal attack alarms, take self-defence lessons or even to get a dog, adding: “Don’t put yourself on display. When you go out make sure you cover your watches, rings, earrings and jewels or take them off when you step outside.
“Dress down when you aren’t going to a special occasion — just so they aren’t on show for all to see.”
The intervention comes weeks after 19-year-old George Zelonka fought off an attacker with an umbrella during an attempted raid in Hampstead
One woman in her sixties was robbed of her wedding ring on her doorstep as she arrived home from a night out with her husband on May 31.
Ten days later another woman living nearby had a ring snatched as she went to put rubbish in her dustbin and three days after that a third woman in the area was attacked by thugs who ripped off her diamond earrings.
Resident Kate Webster, 59, said the robberies have shocked the community. She went on: “It’s lucky nobody has been seriously hurt.
“This is an affluent area and we’re being targeted — it’s horrible. We’ve always felt safe here but now when I go out in the evening I never take a handbag or jewellery just in case something happens.”
Police said patrols had been increased and appealed for information.
I say old chap, not sure that gun you’re holding is quite cricket. We have laws here, you know!
And the spray can be ignited to create a flame thrower
I guess it would have some kind of plastic barrel tip should it actually be needed for use in the rain.
I think there should be serious limits to the reach, weight, and sharpness of the umbrellas that citizens are allowed carry. Certainly they have no business with military style umbrellas.
A mere 4 miles from Luton
But would hunting umbrellas be OK?
Poor bloody disarmed Brits. I don’t plan on going there, not ever.
Why should I travel when I’m already here?
;^)
Yeah, and if it starts to rain and you go to open it up, you have to be careful you don’t shoot some kind bird out of the sky...
Yep...Even if it only looks like an “Assault Umbrella”, it should be illegal...
Looks like the Avengers are needed!
“He brought car keys to an umbrella fight....”
IIRC, no handguns in UK.
Umbrellas and keys--how pathetic.
One of the funniest moments in the play/movie Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.
Of course it would be difficult to use once the canopy is open. One of those clear vinyl canopies would be better suited.
Economically challenged white yobs?
LOL!!! I knew their would be a Penguin pic here!!!
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