It is always a sad day when yet another species disappears from our country. I heard rumours that there had been sightings of surviving clusters in small villages and on remote islands, but it appears that they were just rumours. I had remained hopeful and vigilant, especially in my home town of Staines upon Thames, but have been forced to conclude that they have gone forever. The defunct species I am referring to is of course the 'Bobby on the Beat'. Don't be confused because there is a related species called a 'Special Constable' that you can find hanging around shopping centres. They are a largely toothless variant and tend to avoid confrontation, especially with packs of young humans wearing hoodies. You may however see them accosting older humans for dangerous and despicable behaviour such as accidentally dropping a sweet wrapper or even preaching from the bible. The Beat Bobby was tall, strong and could run, whilst the special breed are likely to be small, unfit or too rotund to give chase when required. The mere presence of a Beat Bobby walking the streets was reassuring to law abiding citizens and there was even a grudging respect within the criminal classes. 'You have caught me bang to rights' an old lag might say as the handcuffs clicked into place.
In the past, a policeman had to be of a certain height and fit enough to give chase if needed to uphold the law, but the requirements were dropped and it would appear that those up to mischief on our streets do not have the same level of respect for the special constables.
Crime on our streets is at an all time high, shop lifting is considered as an occupation by some, and the chances of being prosecuted make the crime well worth the risks. Over the last few days I have witnessed a group of youngsters abusing shoppers from a doorway and spitting in their direction and blatant theft from two large shops in town. On both occasions I informed staff but was told that they were not supposed to accost thieves. In the past, policemen on the beat would have the physical presence and gravitas to have a quiet chat with the abusive, spitting youths, and if they were consistently causing trouble, would already know them. What I saw was three special constables, one a diminutive woman, a short and seriously overweight man and what I can only describe as a gangly young man in a uniform that was far to big for him. Credit to all three for actually having the guts to do the job, but the sight of them was insufficient to deter the group of thirteen to fourteen year old boys and they continued their abuse unchallenged as the strong arm of the law walked past without even a glance in their direction. What sort of message does that send!
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