Public Order

  • Stars in their own right

    The riots of late have proved one suspicion true; people here are taking the law into their own hands.

    However, it’s just one story in itself.

    The truth is a much broader church, and it relates in every community that something is out of hand, or at intervals is way out of our control.

    The way of dealing with it to begin with takes us out of our way. It always does, and every job comes with risks.

    It’s the way of water sometimes, I was once told, and it goes where it will if it can.

    The fact is it spills over and has flooded our streets with its sewage. The cleanup work is messy in itself, but it has to be done.

    Let’s hope this time is the last, perhaps.

  • A period of reflection

    The magazines are out. Their covers speak truth to power, and replay the recent scenario of a UK under threat from rioters.

    A Stand In WHSmith

    It’s an uneasy situation.

    The answer is not found in this feeling alone, but in concerted activity. So soon after an election, it’s as relevant as ever who we vote for. Their answers bring out the solutions we need.

    That’s the idea, at least.

  • Rioters face justice

    Yesterday in Liverpool, William Morgan was sentenced along with one other by Judge Andrew Menary KC. Judge Menary said Morgan’s actions were not racially motivated.

    “There is no suggestion that the incidents in Walton were racially or religiously aggravated and there may not have been as many people present but there was looting of commercial premises. There was the wanton attempt to destroy by fire the local library and community hub and many, many more fireworks were thrown at the police.”

    It’s not yet clear precisely what motivated those on the streets to take the law into their own hands. This ruling confirms a lack of clarity and a period of learning is needed to uncover the reasons why.

  • Sentences for rioters

    The Crown Prosecution Service has announced five people were prosecuted for rioting in Hartlepool. It includes two men under 20 and one male over 50 years of age.

    They were all found guilty of violent disorder. The youngest, 18 year old Bobby Shirbon, is also guilty of criminal damage. They will spend time in prison or a young offender’s institution respectively, lasting between 16 and 32 months.

    The press release also notes they were all residents of the town at the time of their arrest.

  • Riots in the UK

  • Police call for calm on social media

    Matthew Barber, Thames Valley Police Crime Commissioner, has called for members of the public to show care in their use of social media. It will mean the correct information is able to spread and tensions will not be inflamed further.

    “There is a great deal of misinformation about potential disorder which only heightens people’s concerns, and I would urge everyone to be careful about what they share on social media.”

    The potential misuse of social media sites by criminals may increase due to the rioting. It’s believed direct messages, posts full of falsehoods, and comments showing support help galvanise followers of their activities.

  • Canada urges caution

    The Government of Canada has urged its citizens to travel carefully in the UK. It follows significant disturbance in parts of the country where riots have broken out. These spontaneous acts of public disorder are not linked to the stabbings in Southport.

    It’s not a significant escalation like instances of terrorism. However it represents an official warning to stay clear of areas where riots have spread out. It’s similar to other advice governments pass out to citizens regarding crime against their person, and similar hazards.

  • Malaysia draws a line

    A culmination of trouble in the UK has resulted in Malaysia’s travel advice to its citizens. In a press release posted yesterday it said Malaysian nationals need to show extra care in the UK.

    “…Stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant and follow the latest updates and guidance provided by local authorities.”

    To hear the UK isn’t safe even for overseas visitors is disconcerting. It isn’t a frequent occurrence for us. The nature of the rioting however makes it clear. It’s been indiscriminate as overseas nationals have now been targeted.

    A serious effort to stop illegal migration responsibly is overshadowed. In retrospect rioting makes us look irresponsible. The thugs may be thugs but they’re us still. It matters people cause trouble here. It cannot be dismissed as yobbishness alone.