It seems that every year a new type of crime pops up. Some so new that the criminal justice system has to develop new ways to deal with them.
At one time in New York City in the 1990's, it was all the rage to buy discount pocketbooks on the street. So hoards of Nigerian bag hucksters showed up hawking their bags from large cardboard boxes affixed to hand trucks. Of course they were illegal. When nabbed by the police they were not only charged for selling merchandise illegally, but trademark infringement because the bags were fake Guccis and Diana Karen, etc.
When these offenders were arrested, they were taken down to jail and court in groups. There the courts had to provide court-appointed translators who spoke Wohl, an obscure Nigerian dialect. Of course all of this was on the tax-payers dime.
Now the two newest crime waves are as follows:
The cellphone snatch: The criminal element watches for people who are easy marks or targets. People who are too busy either texting, or talking on their I-Phone are perfect. When the perpetrators see that victim is so distracted that they will never know what hit them, BAM! They run up, shove the person to the ground, grab the cellphone and run! Usually, they go for the most expensive I-Phones.
The question I would ask is, why would you be so occupied with your cellphone while walking in the street? You are supposed to be watching where you are going. You are also supposed to be aware of your surroundings, particularly the people around you. It's common sense. In this day and age because people are always watching you. If not a video camera is. But, for your own safety, save the texting for when you are inside and off the street.
2nd Crime:
Forcible Touching: According to New York Penal Law Forcible Touching is a form of sexual abuse. This law has been on the books and has been used in cases of sexual harassment, but there has been a recent upswing. Why? Because women are walking the streets scantily clad. "Half Neekid" as a friend would often say.
Now, as an American woman you may say, "I have a Constitutional right to wear what I want to wear ( whether my tats hang out, or my butt is uncovered. . . . ) and be left alone." Yes, you do. However, in this day and age you as a woman don't know what kind of perverts are out there roaming the streets.
Yes, you can wear that micro mini, but can you handle the consequences if a 6'4'', 250 pound man grabs you in an unmentionable area in public? Unless you are a female version of Johnny Bravo, Qwi Chung Cain ( Kung Fu ) or Jackie Chan, I think not. . . . .
You can report it to the police, but, a disgusted and overworked detective told a friend of mine, "No offense Miss, but, you need to stop dressing like a whore." I know, that's a shot between the eyes, but it is very true.
Like my Mom used to say: A lady should always dress the part.
It is obvious that both crimes are preventable, with a bit of common sense applied. But, I guess, "Common sense is not so common." as Voltaire so aptly said. . . . . . .
