betsyr

I?d like to join too please.

I know he was but I think it is more sensible than advising people not to buy or use expensive equipment. Sorry about your bike, Bob, but I still don't want to accept that theft and mugging are normal and have to be a consideration when buying something. I never, ever considered that either buying my iphone or using it came with a risk. Perhaps I am a bit naive. Anyway I will speak police today and post back.

I totally misunderstood your sentiments Bob and I totally disagree with this viewpoint- why not own expensive motorbikes? How is owning something deserving of having it stolen??? We don't live in the Bronx for goodness sake. This isn't a particulary high crime area. And how do people really protect expensive bags, jewellery, homes, cars or bikes other than locking them up and not using them? Lady with pram don't be cross with yourself be cross with the coward who stole it. I don't know how many people I walked past today using their expensive phones on the move-that is what they are for! It is indeed interesting that the police who have to take the time out to deal with these relatively minor incidents reassure victims that they have done nothing wrong but people on a forum take the opportunity to imply victims were careless and it is their own fault. "Let's reclaim the streets and show these villains we won't be beaten. Everyone who owns a ?400+ mobile communication device should congregate around Honor Oak station during the hours of darkness and engage in absorbing conversations whilst holding said devices lightly between two fingers. " I thought this was an amusing and inspirational notion which could possibly be an idea behind a protest plan- I'm sorry to read that you are in favour of accepting mugging as 'normal'. It is not and why should we live in fear and accept it? If we don't have idealists how can things change for the better? Saying that I sprinted home from the bus stop on Forest Hill rd and then shut my own fingers in my gate in my irrational panic to get into my house safely tonight-so it seems I am indeed currently living in fear. Nervous person living on Forest Hill rd it seems that it has all been snatching rather than mugging. I love the person whose advice was to walk into the road- it is a good idea-just obviously be careful. I don't know what else to suggest other than Bob's protest idea! :-) I will contact police tomorrow and see what is being done.

Bumper post/ rant to follow I was mugged on Forest Hill rd on the corner of Canonbie rd on sunday morning at 11:30. The guy approached me from behind and snatched the phone out of my hand along with some hair-I didn't know what was happening and it was really frightening-unfortuneately i didn't get a good look at him as by the time I turned around he was running away from me up Canonbie rd. He was a tall, thick-set black guy with short hair. I was 200 yards from my house and in the middle of a conversation with my mum who was left listening to what she thought was the sound of someone's heart beating after hearing me screaming down the phone. She was really distressed- which she doesn't need at her age. I am really sorry to hear about the other people who have been mugged-especially the man with his child. I understand iphones are expensive pieces of equipment but they are our pieces of expensive equipment that we work hard for. The person who said those that have them shouldn't be 'flashing' them around is obviously referring to their use. What are you supposed to do- not own anything expensive in case it is stolen? Or as has been suggested not use 'mobile' phones on the move because now we all have to except that this is an invitation for someone to steal it. Horses for courses exactly-just because some people don't use their phone when travelling from a to b doesn't mean those who do-many people- are asking to be mugged. Maybe we should frame our expensive iphones and hang them on the wall where they are safe- unless of course we are burgled! The whole point of a mobile phone is that you use it on the move or one may as well just have a landline. Even though I didn't have a chance to chase the guy I have no idea what I would have done if I had. I am almost glad I didn't get the chance because unfortunately you have no idea what people are capable of and I am so glad I could eventually ring my poor mum and let her know I was alright but had just had my phone taken. I don't know what the approach needs to be. It seems a bit sad that everyone should just roll over and take it- but what is the consequence or alternative? Maybe it needs to come from the police-maybe more police on the beat in problem areas and more cctv cameras. Thank you to pro-flashers like Bob -I'd love to know where a 'sensible' place to use a mobile phone is. Maybe when you arrive at B-a restaurant where you have your conversation in a loud voice at the table! Also it is not what is taken or it's expense, but the fact that someone feels that they can just take something they want from you- sometimes in broad daylight- somewhere you consider to be safe. It makes you wonder what else they can take from you if they wanted. Sorry I am not certainly not suggesting a link or any comparison between mugging and rape but there is a feeling of being vulnerable and powerless. After a teary and shaky few hours I'm fine but I do feel uneasy when I'm out now because I feel more aware of my limitations. Obviously some people who have written on this thread don't understand that because they haven't been mugged and I genuinely hope for them it remains that way. Police were very supportive and insisted I had done nothing wrong- except not insure my expensive iphone-so all those with one make sure it is insured before you go 'flashing it around.' And maybe save phonecalls to mums for the land line so that they can have the attention most mums deserve and not get the fright of their lives ;-)