Topic ID 2803
I'm new to the forum and I don't normally post messages but I find the debates great reading. I wanted to find out though if anybody else noticed the increase in mindless crime in Hertford recently? On Friday we had our car vandalised, idiots stole the two side indicator lights by taking them off and cutting the wires and yesterday we had our wheelie bin stolen from outside our house. We live on Port Vale. I am definitely attending the neighbourhood watch meeting on Wednesday night!
Reply ID 40378
I would suggest that the damage to your car was theft, rather than vandalism. I once lost a pair of VW rear lights and when enquiring about the availability and price of replacements, it soon became obvious why. Wheelie bins are rarely stolen, but they do take holidays in much the way shopping trolleys do. I've found mine some considerable distance from home a week after I'd given up all hope.
Reply ID 40380
I believe it is just another indicator of the lack of social resposibility endemic in our society these days. Hidden away in our little town in the Shires we might have hoped to escape the problems we associated with city life. But now, the infection is spreading and there is very little we can do to stop it. Call it crime, call it vandalism, call it high jinx, it comes in different guises: Motorists ignoring speed limits because they know best. Driving through "Access Only" or "No Entry" signs because it suits you/you don't agree with the sign. Parking inconsiderately/illegally. Driving selfishly. Crossing the road without checking for traffic. Pulling a wheelie bin 200 yards down the road. Snapping the wipers/wing mirrors off the parked cars. Slashing car tyres. Riding bikes and skateboards across the War Memorial. Throwing litter on the pavement. Leaving litter on Hartham Common. Letting your dog crap in public places and not picking it up and disposing of it properly. Assaulting people on trains. Fare dodging. I could go on. Someone said recently (was it Dude?) that they were getting tired of Hertford and may move to a quieter life somewhere just north of here. But how long before villages and other places catch this infection? Unfortunately, I don't have any answers or solutions at the moment, just a forum for a rant. Can the Hertford public stop this infection from spreading further or even kill it? Can the town become one large Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, a sort of self policing community? Or should we sit back and wait for the government to plough more money into policing of the community? Answers on a postcard please....
Reply ID 40388
quote:I don't think a postcard is needed. Here might be a good place... maybe a new posting area called Neighbourhood Watch. I'm sure it has been suggested before.
Originally posted by 2929paul
Can the town become one large Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, a sort of self policing community? Or should we sit back and wait for the government to plough more money into policing of the community? Answers on a postcard please....
Reply ID 40393
My friend's son,17, was attacked in Hertford the other night for no reason at all, just the wrong place I guess, Coming out of a eatery in the evening, not late, was just talking to his friends and wallop he was punched from behind and then on his face, fell to the ground and kicked repeatedly and ended up in hospital having an operation on his face, his friends could not help him as the a***holes accomplices held them back, this is not a rare occurance, out of towners, who travel in from places like Cheshunt, Stevenage and Bishop's Stortford. A lady that I visit in Bluecoats gets frightened when the trains pull in on a Friday and Saturday and hoards of youngsters, worse for drink or other substances, she says the noise and swearing is unbelievable.
Reply ID 40394
Where is the wrong place furrybunny?
Reply ID 40397
quote:It's a figurative statement, as in "wrong place, wrong time"
Originally posted by James007
Where is the wrong place furrybunny?
Reply ID 40401
Agreed its Friday nights you have to banton down the hatches. Taking either train (North or East) and walking into town, the blatent unsubtleness is staggering. Lads skinning up in open view or walking around with eyes like bottle tops. Any challenge is met with threats. Never thought I'd be the person to grumble about this but it is ruining the town. You shouldn't have to go to work each day and worry that your car or fence or frontdoor has been given a boot just for the hell of it. People in this country are too soft to have allowed this to deteriote. But we won't do anything, we'll just continue to be wet. edit: 'haven't' should be 'has'[:I]
Reply ID 40404
quote:These 'kids' come to hertford because it is soft.
Originally posted by Sargasso
Agreed its Friday nights you have to banton down the hatches. Taking either train (North or East) and walking into town, the blatent unsubtleness is staggering. Lads skinning up in open view or walking around with eyes like bottle tops. Any challenge is met with threats. Never thought I'd be the person to grumble about this but it is ruining the town. You shouldn't have to go to work each day and worry that your car or fence or frontdoor haven't been given a boot just for the hell of it. People in this country are too soft to have allowed this to deteriote. But we won't do anything, we'll just continue to be wet.
Reply ID 40406
Try early on tonight, about 6.30 pm outside the Chicken and Fish and Chip shop opposite the Castle Hall and the Subway sandwich shop, even though its broad daylight there are some scarey looking lads drinking openly, very definitely intoxicated with more than the shandy they are drinking, some older "lads" who don't mentally seem all the ticket and you're trying to go either into the Castle Hall to watch a production or into the Millbridge rooms for a meeting! I can box a bit so wouldn't have trouble punching back, but honestly the blatant open threatening behaviour, drug taking and just generally leering at everyone or thing that moves. I hope the Chief of Herts Constabulary is reading this forum.. get the lads and ladies off the computers, out of the panda cars and walking on the beat.. put them in plain clothes and see what the rest of us residents see... and have to deal with... its truly horrible and really unnecessary. If they were punished and prevented from underage drinking in the first place plus other offences you might be able to stop the rot. And please don't tell me the kids have "Nuffink to do man" cos they wouldn't do it if it was gift wrapped in bling![:(!]
Reply ID 40409
A few years ago the old Hertford Town Centre Management Board organised a meeting to set up a town centre residents association. It came in like a lion and went out like a lamb. However there is now a group loosely representing the whole of the town centre who are campaigning to control anti-social behaviour, under age drinking and late night licensing of both pubs and eateries (for want of a better word). I believe they are close to setting up a neighbourhood watch and hope to use this group to be represented on Locality Police meetings and lobbying of Council(s). Some of them do post here from time to time and I will be happy to put anyone who is seriously interested in being pro-active in touch. Use my profile.
Reply ID 40411
quote:Please could you substantiate that comment [:)]
Originally posted by Ewoowar
These 'kids' come to hertford because it is soft.
Reply ID 40416
quote:Go to Enfield Town, Stevenage or Harlow on a Friday or Saturday evening and you can see a much more visible police presence. In Stevenage they even set up a mobile police station in the leisure park. In Hertford the presence is much less. For a lot of these 'kids' it's a jolly, an away day. It's like football fans going off a few hundred miles and causing a bit of havoc on another patch. No one knows them. Whatever they do they will not be recognised by people they know. Their parents won't find out either unless they are caught by the authorities. As for the younger ones.......I don't know where they come from. I see a few faces regularly.........leering, spitting oiks who make me think back to films like Falling Down and Death Wish. I don't want to walk through Hertford and have some little sh#t shine a laser light in my eyes. I don't want to be confronted by bare-chested 14 year old males wearing flammable jogging bottoms with the crotch by the knees, deliberately making eye contact with me so they have an excuse to engage charmingly in conversation with "What you lookin' at?". The owners of the fish and chip shop, the fried chicken place next door and Subway should have realised by now that their premises are increasingly becoming out of bounds on Fridays and Saturtdays for people who can string a sentence together.
Originally posted by Stevequote:Please could you substantiate that comment [:)]
Originally posted by Ewoowar
These 'kids' come to hertford because it is soft.
Reply ID 40417
quote:That was where that poor sod got the kicking of his life by a load of chavs a while back if memory serves...
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:The owners of the fish and chip shop, the fried chicken place next door and Subway should have realised by now that their premises are increasingly becoming out of bounds on Fridays and Saturtdays for people who can string a sentence together.
Originally posted by Stevequote:Please could you substantiate that comment [:)]
Originally posted by Ewoowar
These 'kids' come to hertford because it is soft.
Reply ID 40423
quote:What is it with you 'James007' your name sake is a gentleman, not a sarcastic person like you! This was a very serious attack, he is still in shock,and still undergoing hospital treatment- "where is the wrong place indeed?"
Originally posted by James007
Where is the wrong place furrybunny?
Reply ID 40426
quote:I think in James defence, he was merely asking whereabouts the assault actually took place as you did not qualify your statement. You may have mistaken his intention. [:)]
Originally posted by furrybunnyquote:What is it with you 'James007' your name sake is a gentleman, not a sarcastic person like you! This was a very serious attack, he is still in shock,and still undergoing hospital treatment- "where is the wrong place indeed?"
Originally posted by James007
Where is the wrong place furrybunny?
Reply ID 40432
Leo, don't fall into that trap, where James007 is concerned! he has had a couple of 'pops' at me over different subjects, I think he's just has an attitude problem, a bit like the bozo's in Hertford.
Reply ID 40433
quote:I thought Ian Fleming created James Bond as a womanising, drug taking, hard drinker!
Originally posted by furrybunnyquote:What is it with you 'James007' your name sake is a gentleman, not a sarcastic person like you! This was a very serious attack, he is still in shock,and still undergoing hospital treatment- "where is the wrong place indeed?"
Originally posted by James007
Where is the wrong place furrybunny?
Reply ID 40436
Well, that's certainly NOT our James007! I thought James Bond had chrisma, but we are getting off topic and getting personal. So I shall gracefully bow out! see ya Bondy.
Reply ID 40449
Blimey Bunny! If you read Leo's post above, that is exactly what I meant. The question, which perhaps I should have asked is, "where exactly in the town did the attack take place?". I sincerely hope he is ok by the way.
Reply ID 40470
As a matter of fact James007 he is not,he will not go out of the house or school (his face is a mess), he has A levels shortly so when they did this too him they really messed him up! mentally and phyisically the crettin who did it lives locally, I have now found out! the police were not interested! gave the attacker a warning.
Reply ID 40473
The police were not interested??? Please tell me you are joking
Reply ID 40475
No, his mother said all they got was a reprimand, no further action!
Reply ID 40476
quote:To be honest furrybunny, if he wont 'go out of the house or school and they really messed him up! mentally and physically then you should really take it further than the Police. Go to the Police Complaints Commission, dead easy. If my kiddo had been battered to that point, where my son couldn't read the local paper, let alone an exam paper, I would take action. And FAST! And I wouldn't be posting on here about Hartham, Bengeo Street driving or whatever I said! Edit: Or swans by the way.
Originally posted by furrybunny
As a matter of fact James007 he is not,he will not go out of the house or school (his face is a mess), he has A levels shortly so when they did this too him they really messed him up! mentally and phyisically the crettin who did it lives locally, I have now found out! the police were not interested! gave the attacker a warning.
Reply ID 40477
Then take out a civil action - maybe the CAB in Bull Plain could advise?
Reply ID 40479
quote:I am stunned. What has happened to assault?
Originally posted by furrybunny
As a matter of fact James007 he is not,he will not go out of the house or school (his face is a mess), he has A levels shortly so when they did this too him they really messed him up! mentally and phyisically the crettin who did it lives locally, I have now found out! the police were not interested! gave the attacker a warning.
Reply ID 40480
quote:That is appaling. When Mr T was attacked by a thug it was pusued by Police and the case came to court and prosecution took place. This sounds far more serious. Was there any CCTV footage or independent witnesses? Who called the Police?
Originally posted by furrybunny
As a matter of fact James007 he is not,he will not go out of the house or school (his face is a mess), he has A levels shortly so when they did this too him they really messed him up! mentally and phyisically the crettin who did it lives locally, I have now found out! the police were not interested! gave the attacker a warning.
Reply ID 40482
You should be more insistent.
Reply ID 40485
quote:Why not? Are you suggesting that because FB's friend's son is the victim of crime, she shouldn't be expressing a view on a range of other issues? I don't understand.
Originally posted by James007
...And I wouldn't be posting on here about Hartham, Bengeo Street driving or whatever I said! Edit: Or swans by the way.
Reply ID 40507
All I am doing is reporting what has been said to me, it's up to individuals to take further action, all I was saying that a terrible deed was done in Hertford, and Steve I am left a bit muddled over them comments too! is James007 losing the plot????????????????
Reply ID 40519
It has still not been confirmed where the assault took place (sorry FB) but the reason I ask is this - is there no CCTV coverage?
Reply ID 40528
quote:I was born & brought up in Finsbury Park. I was not the biggest kid and had to learn how to survive at a pretty tough school. I travel around some pretty rough areas of London for my work. From what I've seen of the kids in Hertford, they don't have a clue what it's like outside of Hertford. Those that think they are "hard" wouldn't last 5 minutes in Wood Green. This also works in my favour as I know how best to handle the local trouble makers/ There have been instances of gangs of kids coming up from the rougher parts of London as there are easy transport links and mugging kids from Hertford as they know how easy it is. How often do you hear of people being stabbed or shot in Hertford? Where I work it is a daily occurence.
Originally posted by Stevequote:Please could you substantiate that comment [:)]
Originally posted by Ewoowar
These 'kids' come to hertford because it is soft.
Reply ID 40544
quote:This makes my blood boil. It is that sort or attitude from the Police that exacerbates the problem of increased crime. The attacker basically got away with it and is probably proud of himself. He will no doubt do it again - and will probably receive yet another warning when he does. Whatever happened to 'tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime', or does an assault no longer class as a crime? I can understand that the victim is not 'alright' but I hope he makes a swift and full recovery (both mentally and physically) nonetheless.
Originally posted by furrybunny
...the police were not interested! gave the attacker a warning.
Reply ID 40547
That's the way I read it too. Sorry to hear about this poor lad. Statistically he is in the age range most at risk of unprovoked assault. That hasn't changed since I was a similar age. Curiously, parents tend to worry more about girls, though they are at far less risk than young males. I hope he soon recovers.
Reply ID 40555
I think perhaps James 007 is insinuating that everywhere these days could be classed as being "in the wrong place" as even "nicer neighbourhoods" sometimes find that unpleasant things happen. Is this right? Have I misunderstood your comment? I hope that poor chap is okay and is not permanently damaged, mind you.. after an attack like that I would be too scared to set foot outside for a long, long time... horrible and senseless [V]
Reply ID 40565
I know two young lads that were attacked by a group of 5 other lads. One of the two has been charged with affray based on the fact he left the scene to get the police and changed his mind to go back and help his mate. This happened near Hertford police station! I get the impression that if the police feel it is unlikely they will get a result they don't put any effort in and hope that everyone forgets about it.
Reply ID 40566
quote:Drama Queen - you are completely right. The specific area of the attack/assault would be good though, so that we can all avoid it.
Originally posted by Drama Queen
I think perhaps James 007 is insinuating that everywhere these days could be classed as being "in the wrong place" as even "nicer neighbourhoods" sometimes find that unpleasant things happen. Is this right? Have I misunderstood your comment? I hope that poor chap is okay and is not permanently damaged, mind you.. after an attack like that I would be too scared to set foot outside for a long, long time... horrible and senseless [V]
Reply ID 40570
quote:James - I wouldn't avoid the area if named. That would be tantamount to creating a 'no-go' area which in a fine and respectable town like Hertford would be madness. We must all be more accountable, individuals and police in matters like this. Don't let the scum get a foothold anywhere.
Originally posted by James007quote:Drama Queen - you are completely right. The specific area of the attack/assault would be good though, so that we can all avoid it.
Originally posted by Drama Queen
I think perhaps James 007 is insinuating that everywhere these days could be classed as being "in the wrong place" as even "nicer neighbourhoods" sometimes find that unpleasant things happen. Is this right? Have I misunderstood your comment? I hope that poor chap is okay and is not permanently damaged, mind you.. after an attack like that I would be too scared to set foot outside for a long, long time... horrible and senseless [V]
Reply ID 40665
quote:Have to say that if this is the case it saddens me. I could not have asked for better help from the Police when I got attacked. I do hope it was not because I was a middle class professional as opposed to a lad out for the night & somehow fair game - I suspect , & truly hope , not. (Partly, because when they arrived I looked, as normal, neither..) I will say that maybe for a short while there may be a bit of kudos & pride on behalf of the attacker but in the cold light of day the most satisfying part of the whole experience was not the sentence but the sheer look of fear on the death-white face of the little scroat (& his identikit dad), his physical shaking (& come to think of it a strange odor emanating from him) & his inability to look me in the eye, when he was led into the court. I hope the same happens to the perpetrator of this assault.
Originally posted by lemonjellyquote:This makes my blood boil. It is that sort or attitude from the Police that exacerbates the problem of increased crime. The attacker basically got away with it and is probably proud of himself. He will no doubt do it again - and will probably receive yet another warning when he does. Whatever happened to 'tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime', or does an assault no longer class as a crime? I can understand that the victim is not 'alright' but I hope he makes a swift and full recovery (both mentally and physically) nonetheless.
Originally posted by furrybunny
...the police were not interested! gave the attacker a warning.
Reply ID 41232
Well it's happened again to another friend! this time outside Zero's, he was sitting, on a wall near the club, talking to two girls he has known for years, he was then hit from behind again, like the last young man, and given a right going over, black eyes, spilt lips and a fractured jaw! the police did come, but no one had 'seen anything' he is now trying to get CCTV film to back up this attack,and he WILL prosecute, knowing this young man, the two girls have given their statements, but he has heard nothing yet! this was Friday the 8th. Hertford now has a reputation,not a good one, which we do not want, with the windows being kicked in last week all over the town and now this, I just despair what Hertford is coming to at night! it sickens me to the core!
Reply ID 41280
Some of us have seen this type of event coming for a while now. Its all too common in the shire counties, when the Police are either ill-equipped or undermanned totally and everybody looks the other way.. The root cause of the attacks??? 1) alcohol.. and an inability to handle vast quantities of mule-flooring potions that make your brain go into melt down. Too often instead of people going out to have a drink and a good time they just down chasers with every drink to blot... what out????? They often claim they no nothing about what they do.. and maybe they are right, but often its just the folly of youth.. Inability to take your drink.... Unless we get society to change its opinion of alcohol and how its perceived, these attacks will continue to become more and more common, especially is those perpetrating the attacks know they will a) never get caught or b) not get prosecuted either... [V]
Reply ID 41292
I feel sorry for the poor old parents, being woken in the early hours of the morning, having to care for their reckless, vandalising little scum bag children. Bad booze? Give me strength. Bad parenting more like.
Reply ID 41299
Bad both....
Reply ID 41304
DQ - I have never heard a bottle of beer cleverly explain the way a young adult might want to conduct his/her behaviour on a night out.
Reply ID 41319
For once I agree with James007, you see rugby supporters 'enjoying the liquid' but have no problems there! they may get out of their tree, but at the matches is very jovial and good natured. I really do not know what the answer is, just like a cancer that's growing in our cities, towns and villages. No morals no respect! and the majority of them uneducated,
Reply ID 41393
Bad parenting - probably Irresponsible sale of alcohol - possibly Lack of police presence - certainly. If they think they can get away with it, they will try to. If the police made an effort to show themselves and act upon these crimes then the offenders would leave Hertford and migrate elsewhere. It may only shift the problem and not solve it but given that we have come to expect certain standards in our community and we pay our taxes to have the police enforce the law, I don't really care.
Reply ID 41414
Thank you for your message furrybunny. Those of us that work through the night see all sorts of scum on the streets. I am fed up with this type of thread as Hertford seems to becoming a war zone at night. I am also fed up with the fact that my family and friends do not want to go into Hertford for a meal on a Friday or Saturday because it feels unsafe.
Reply ID 41592
Your chance to ask what the authorities plan to do with regard to vandalism and assaults in Hertford: http://www.herts.police.uk/crimedatabase/site/content.php?article_id=3622