Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Police tell people targeted by robberies: Fight back with an umbrella
standard.co.uk ^ | 06/21/2016 | BARNEY DAVIS AND SOPHIA SLEIGH

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.


TOPICS: Chit/Chat
KEYWORDS: england
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-59 last
To: BuffaloJack

Not in Britain, not anymore in an effective way. You cannot carry a weapon with you.

If you are targeted by multiple assailants, or people bigger, younger, tougher - well too bad, so sad.

The State’s desire for a disarmed population trumps all else.


41 posted on 06/21/2016 7:19:18 AM PDT by marktwain
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: massmike

42 posted on 06/21/2016 7:19:53 AM PDT by ObozoMustGo2012 (q15.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: silverleaf

Yobs without jobs


43 posted on 06/21/2016 7:22:15 AM PDT by HiTech RedNeck (Embrace the Lion of Judah and He will roar for you and teach you to roar too. See my page.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 39 | View Replies]

To: Sacajaweau
IIRC, no handguns in UK.

Effectively, yes.

And that's why I'm not in UK. In WV I can carry my SIG-Sauer openly, or concealed, without having to ask permission from Big Nanny Gummint.

44 posted on 06/21/2016 7:22:40 AM PDT by NorthMountain (A plague o' both your houses.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 35 | View Replies]

To: massmike

I hope they mean “stick the bumbershoot up the bad guy’s butt and open it”. Because that would actually make some sense.


45 posted on 06/21/2016 7:24:17 AM PDT by RichInOC (No! BAD Rich! (What'd I say?))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: HiTech RedNeck

That’s how hubby uses wasp spray. He burns the nests when he finds one.


46 posted on 06/21/2016 7:24:43 AM PDT by sheana
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: massmike

The non-violent people have been disarmed, while the violent criminals haven’t.


47 posted on 06/21/2016 7:39:23 AM PDT by I want the USA back (Islam mandates warfare against unbelievers and is absolutely incompatible with Western society.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: miss marmelstein
:-)
48 posted on 06/21/2016 7:41:29 AM PDT by Heart-Rest (I'm right 97% of the time. Who cares about the other 4%?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 37 | View Replies]

To: massmike

Ban Umbrellas. Get those dangerous weapons off the streets.


49 posted on 06/21/2016 7:45:53 AM PDT by PAR35
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: massmike

50 posted on 06/21/2016 7:50:55 AM PDT by Snickering Hound
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: massmike

If they are going to concede the point that the police can’t protect citizens and so citizens need to arm themselves, they’ve lost the gun control battle. Why should a 75 year old woman have to arm herself with keys and an umbrella to fend off a 200 pound 20 year old thug? Why shouldn’t she have the right to level the playing field with a gun?


51 posted on 06/21/2016 7:53:42 AM PDT by Opinionated Blowhard ("When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: massmike

I have something even better to fight back with...my Glock 23, with two spare mags. That gives me 40 chances to neutralize any threat.


52 posted on 06/21/2016 7:53:51 AM PDT by AlaskaErik (I served and protected my country for 31 years. Progressives spent that time trying to destroy it.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: massmike
Here's some "how-to" videos, for umbrella or cane self-defense...

How to Use an Umbrella as a Weapon | Self-Defense

Self-defense with everyday items: cane/umbrella

Self-defense: Unbreakable Umbrella from Real-Self-Defense.com

(Plenty more videos like that out there on youtube, and there are many books and dvd's on those subjects available on Amazon, for anyone who might be interested.)
53 posted on 06/21/2016 7:59:41 AM PDT by Heart-Rest (I'm right 97% of the time. Who cares about the other 4%?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: massmike

Britain seems to have the worst cops in the West.


54 posted on 06/21/2016 8:23:46 AM PDT by Seruzawa (All those memories will be lost, like tears in rain.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: massmike
...they should arm themselves with “keys and umbrellas” after a string of street robberies.

Since this is New jersey and I'm not well enough connected to obtain a carry permit, when I am forced to walk through a sketchy area I hold my keys in my left hand with an inch or so of several protruding between my fingers. If I am assaulted the target is the side of the neck of the assailant, the brachial plexus.

Question: If I am attacked and respond as planned, and the assailant is killed, is it a case of premeditated homicide?

55 posted on 06/21/2016 8:46:53 AM PDT by JimRed (Is it 1776 yet? TERM LIMITS, now and forever! Build the Wall, NOW!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: HiTech RedNeck
No hunting umbrellas. In fact it's about time the animals were given umbrellas to fight back. Also if it is not raining umbrellas need to be locked at home in an umbrella safe. Except for light sun mshad umbrellas that can be allowed on a sunny day if one purchases a license.

the terrorists win unless we ban umbrellas. But the least we can do is make sure umbrella use is limited to the very minimum. If you are against that then your worse than Hitler.

56 posted on 06/21/2016 9:09:28 AM PDT by AndyTheBear
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies]

To: AndyTheBear

May some entrepreneurs should invent an umbrella that fires bullets!!! It could be a huge seller!!!


57 posted on 06/21/2016 9:12:08 AM PDT by Trump Girl Kit Cat (Yosemite Sam raising hell)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 56 | View Replies]

To: ObozoMustGo2012
It was a toss-up between the Penguin or Mary Poppins.....


58 posted on 06/21/2016 10:47:18 AM PDT by massmike (1969:Man walks on moon. 2016:Men can use the ladies room. That's progress????)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 40 | View Replies]

To: Enchante
Yes - one of these:

They'll go down. Oh yes they will...

59 posted on 06/21/2016 10:51:32 AM PDT by Billthedrill
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 17 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-59 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson