There have also been assaults on folks cycling across the marsh
particularly around the marina. I'd avoid that area if you are cycling
alone later in the afternoon/evening.
I've never felt intimidated riding on the marsh but its best to be aware
and alert particularly around the pinch points at the bridges, underpasses
and gates.
Roy..
On 8 Aug 2017 23:45, "Ian Mobile" <ifrancismobile@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
This is from a tottenham-based facebook community group. Seems like sound
advice:
Some of you may have seen the scooter gang riding around Seven Sisters/
Broad Lane recently. Yesterday I saw a group of around 8-10 steal a mans
scooter on Broad Lane at 6:30pm during rush hour. They stole the scooter
because he shouted at them as they drove by him. I saw one of the gang drop
a knife and in the road was a half empty bottle of water (read acid in
light of the recent attacks). I think it's important to say a few things
about this because it affects us all daily and is a potentially deadly
situation. I don't want to scare anyone but it is really crucial you are
aware of your surroundings- especially with so many reports of thefts and
attacks up and down the stretch from Seven Sisters to Dalston.
1) Wherever possible always use the main street- the gang rides around at
all times of day and they ride up and down the back streets off Broad Lane
including Markfield Road. If you are on your own the chances of you being a
target are far greater. Secondly, if you are attacked, you are moer likely
to get help on Broad Lane and other main roads, where there are more
pedestrians. The gangs will attack/ rob people on Broad Lane so you are by
no means safe there, but you are more likely to get help should anything
happen.
2) Walk looking around you and don't be on your phone or have any valuables
on show. Firstly you can't see what is happening around you and you become
a target for thieves. If you need to make a call or send a text, go into a
pub, a shop or the post office. I'm sure most of you know people who've had
phones stolen. You're less likely to be attacked or robbed if you're not
giving opportunists a reason to engage with you and you've a better chance
of avoiding them if you can see them. I wouldn't recommend using headphones
for two reasons. Firstly they indicate you have something valuable.
Secondly you impair your ability to hear. Keep your ears pricked for the
sound of many scooter motors. They're distictively annoying but also it
means you can be aware of them before you see them.
3) Don't shout at them or try to stop them. I've seen these guys riding
round on the pavements and being generally tw-ttish. However usually they
are around 7-10 strong. We also know that they carry weapons. And they're
easily agitated, aggressive and looking for a reason to cause trouble. As
frustrating as it is to see them misbehaving, don't engage. Call the police
(when you're in an appropriate place) and let them know the location you
saw the gang in. That's safest for everyone. If you try to stop them- you
will get into trouble and others who may be kind enough to come and help
you may also end up injured or worse. Don't take any chances. They carry
knives and potentially acid. It's just not worth the risk.
4) Give them whatever the want and walk away. If you do find youself
targeted- give them what they ask for and get out of the situation as
quickly as possible. The weapons they are using are either severely life
changing or potentially deadly. £500 for a new iPhone isn't worth your
life. If you're attacked/ robbed your first priority is always to leave the
attack unharmed. The best you can do is try memorise a registration number
on one of the bikes and report it to the police (when safe). Yesterday I
saw at least 8 of them. The man who was robbed said 10-15. Avoid any
confrontation. They are armed and they far outnumber you. Also running is a
bad idea. They are on scooters and they will chase you. Just give them what
they want and get away.
5) If they do drop anything, leave it where it is and direct police to it
when they arrive. If it is in a place which makes that difficult, (when
it's safe), move the item with a cloth or piece of clothing as to not
contaminate the object so the police can check it for fingerprints later.
Obviously don't pick anything up that could harm you (such as a bottle of
liquid).
It's not good to feel you're unsafe around your work and home but at the
moment that is the reality. These attacks are happening on a daily/weekly
basis and people need to be aware of what's happening.
6) Let the people around you know what is happening and you inform them on
how to deal with the situation. The obvious emotion on being atttacked is
anger but retaliating or being aggressive in this situation is far more
dangerous than letting go of your possesions.
It's not good to feel you're unsafe around your work and home but at the
moment that is the reality. These attacks are happening on a daily/weekly
basis and people need to be aware of what's happening.