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Oliver Schick:
I was thinking that the only way of getting to grips with the problem
might be a regulatory response, to ban such mopeds altogether, which
will never happen, but I can't see right now what other strategies
might work.Surely this whole thread is focussed on the wrong premise: that increased legislation stops crime?
I'd like to suggest that perhaps, if there was some kind of hope for these kids - that one day they might have jobs, homes, a decent salary, some life security - then they might not want to take the huge risks that are involved in (moped-facilitated) crime.
Of course, I may just be living in a fantasy world, but from what I see increased inequalities between those who have the opportunities (most of the people posting on this forum, I'd imagine - but, particularly, the ruling classes within our society) and those who don't (viz, the ones who participate in "criminal" behaviours) are the real reasons behind increased violence in society. And, until we start talking about and acknowledging such inequalities, things are unlikely to get much better....
Anyway, just my 2 cents.
d0cA-
That's not true.
They have loads of choices. They could become grime stars.
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Pretty sure I read somewhere people's brains don't fully develop until their in their early 20s. Teenagers are notoriously poor decision-makers (although if there is a very low risk of capture and conviction and a high level of reward then they are likely making a rational choice).
You can't write off inequalities between have/nots but I think it's more complex and nuanced.
Also violent crime is on the decrease. Massively in the developed world over a 20yr period.
Also pretty sure kids born post 2007 are less likely than any present ones to get caught up in typical teenage vices.
I'd agree with you that making crime illegal doesn't prevent it.
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Surely this whole thread is focussed on the wrong premise: that increased legislation stops crime?
I certainly didn't mean to suggest that legislation is a better way towards reducing crime than increasing social justice. I'm also well aware of the funding cuts the police are suffering.
I am, however, not hopeful that the more important and wider-ranging improvements will happen anytime soon.
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Snatching a phone or bike and riding off because you're poor is "fine" - no one is really hurt aside from financially, and if I had to have a proper crime committed against me, an involuntary donation of a few hundred pounds (i.e. my phone) to a non-violent poor person is about the best one I could pick.
However, disfiguring someone with acid shows a level of callousness and sadism that means you aren't safe to be around other people, and no one should be attempting to excuse behaviour like that. A lack of opportunities doesn't give you the right to ruin someone else's life forever.
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hugo7
Oliver Schick
frankenbike
Wow, so much going on. I can't understand how they could have got so many iPhones in three minutes. The most horrible recent development is obviously that acid crap.
I was thinking that the only way of getting to grips with the problem might be a regulatory response, to ban such mopeds altogether, which will never happen, but I can't see right now what other strategies might work.