I have changed my position on gun control

[David Floyd]

I'm glad you're starting to see the light Whaleboy

By the way,

But I think, like Che said, the key is to avoid these situations in the first place. If you must walk in these neighborhoods, walk with purpose. Always be looking around, but with your eyes, not your neck or you'll look paranoid (ie, a target). Also, if you've got jewelry or a nice CD player, put them away. You don't want to seem obviously above the socioeconomic level of the locals... mess up your hair if you have any, and have a kind of dead/mad look on your face. Remember, the key to these games is intimidation. Someone who looks like a bum and who's walking around with a scowl looks too out there to be scared in the first place... they'll move onto the next target.

That's exactly how I avoid being bothered at work. I walk around extremely quickly, with a pissed off look on my face, and people are too afraid to bother me - my temper is well known, if seldom seen.

[DRoseDARs]

Because, DD, blood is one of the hardest stains to remove, plus there are all the messy legal consequences afterwards like proving it was in self-defense.

That, and tasers are more fun.

[Arrian]

REPORT THIS, Whaleboy!

There probably isn't anything the cops can do, but at least try. Maybe you'll get lucky and they will find the ****ers.

-Arrian

[DRoseDARs]

*Joins the sensible chorus*
Yes Whaleboy, go to the police, file a report, and let them find the f*ckers.

[David Floyd]

Because, DD, blood is one of the hardest stains to remove, plus there are all the messy legal consequences afterwards like proving it was in self-defense.

If the guy who tried to mug you is dead in a dark alley, with a knife on him, dressed like ****, no ID, etc., then proving self defense shouldn't be a problem - you just say, "It was self defense", and any cop or court with half a brain will believe you.

[DRoseDARs]

That's why I mentioned the blood stains first.

[Traianvs]

Chavs are not worthy of life, kill them all before they migrate across the channel!

[Sandman]

Firstly, you're stupid for not going to the police AND the hospital. Chuck that useless machasimo aside, and get yourself checked out for internal bleeding.

Secondly, get real. Everyone hates neds, but they're a fact of life. Like traffic. Adding guns to the equation doesn't do a thing. Except meaning that we have to worry about neds, traffic and guns.

[DRoseDARs]

You mean more than one Ned populates the Nedaverse?!

[Sandman]

Ned is Scottish slang for the tracksuit-wearing, baseball-capped scum which live in British cities.

Stands for 'non-educated delinquent'.

[Whaleboy]

Hmmm I'll think about reporting it to the police. Another reason I didn't want to post was in deference to my family... they don't need the fuss at the moment... I told them I'd fallen down some stairs. But yeh like I said I'm thinking about it.

To be honest this town has taken such a slide lately, I've been toying with the idea of carrying some kind of non-firearmlike weapon, like a knife or a baton of some description... I guess today has rekindled that idea. Anyone know what's legal in the UK, and what's effective?

I'm fine against a single attacker unarmed, like I said I'm a big guy with some aikedo training and I'm working out a lot more than I was, but against a number like that is a problem.

[DRoseDARs]

Don't think. Do.

[Whaleboy]

Well I have to think about it because there is my family to consider. They don't need the stress at the moment of police officers visiting and the phonecalls etc. I probably won't but yes it deserves consideration.

[DRoseDARs]

But they need the stress of eventually finding out you were jumped, didn't report it, then lied to them about it?

[Whaleboy]

I don't want to sound like a sensitive killjoy or anything.... nor am I giving orders, but would it be alright if we can drop the police thing? I don't want to explain why but it's a tough call for me and I'll come to a decision in my own time. Thankyou for the concern though, it's nice to know that people do care and all .