Islanders vow to protect Portland themselves (From Dorset Echo)

PortlandYoof wrote:
Forget patrolling and being nice.. if I catch any of the little scrotes whacking wingmirrors off my car with a bat i'll take a bat to them!

portlandresident wrote:
Can I suggest that if you must patrol the area yourselves, you dress responsibly, and in a way which makes you look friendly and approachable? If I were to see you patrolling in the clothes pictured, you too would look like the kind of people who undertake the thug-like behaviour that you're trying to stop! What's more, I would like to re-assure you that as you're not trained police officers, you're not going to set a good impression for our island. It's a shame it's had to come to this, but like I said, if you must do it, at least get yourselves smart!!

neverafraggle wrote:
I do agree with the fact that these mindless acts of vandalism and violence need to be dealt with in the appropriate way ....but please a group of mindless adults trying to play rambo on the streets of portland ???? whatever next ? Putting pressure on the local council and police to act is all that can be done LEGALLY. Mr Charlton and his merry band of thugs will only fuel a war between the vandals and the innocent people waiting for the legal solution. As stated on a previous story regarding the portland trouble, karma has a way of turning full circle for mr charlton....does he forget his childhood ? the problems he caused ? im my opinion he is the last person who should try and act responsible.... let someone more level headed and responsible be the spokesperson for any group set up to combat the vandals.

localgirlownteeth wrote:
Jeeeez, will you just get on with it all ready?? What a load of p**s and wind.

dorwey wrote:
"Miguel Rodriguez"...A good old fashioned Portland name....oh what fun.

rad21 wrote:

localgirlownteeth wrote: Jeeeez, will you just get on with it all ready?? What a load of p**s and wind.

Quite right, put up or shut up! Some of us are getting a bit fed up with all this hot air. Nothing in law is stopping you from doing these local patrols whether the local 'old bill' like it or not. At least then the locals can decide on whether they want these locals patrolling with baseball bats or whether they prefer the tihin blue line.

JANEAUSTEN wrote:
Well said Equilibrium, if some of these boys had decent role models for fathers a lot of this trouble wouldnt arise in the first place.

Micke12 wrote:
2 Questions to all Portlanders.

1. Do you pay your Council Tax every year?

2. Do you want unauthorised, untrained and perhaps unresponsible people patrolling your area with nothing stopping them beating the S*#t out of anyone they think is 'up to no good'?

If the answer to question 1 is YES and the answer to question 2 is NO, then why don't you all get off your backsides, take a trip to Winfrith and park your backsides right outside the office window of the Chief Constable, Mr Useless Idiot BAKER. The only time the pigs listen to people is when they park on the police doorstep. Make sure you take plenty of friendly LAWYERS with you so that the pigs don't try to stitch you up arresting you for violence when all that you were doing is peacefully protesting. Force the police to take notice and things can get done, but if you let Mr Charlton and his cronies go ahead with what they plan, it will be you mourning the loss of a son or other relative whose head has been splattered by Charlton and Co's Baseball Bats. It is your Island, you have the right to be policed properly and with the utmost diligence and professionalism, and if that is not happening, then you have the right to go and ask the police boss to do something about it. As I sit here right now writing this at 10.35 in the evening, I can here the police helicopter hovering around outside. Maybe they are out looking for Charlton and Co, unless of course they have decided to come and try their ideas in weymouth, in which case, God help them.

Doughbun1958 wrote:
Extract from above post by dorwey:

Shopwatch, pubwatch, dress it up how you like, this group would have no legal right to apprehend or even talk to anybody that doesn't want to talk to them, the moment they stop anybody that would be an offence.



In England and Wales, any member of the public has the power to make an arrest (under Section 24A of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005). In reality, collaring someone bang to rights isn't always going to persuade a criminal to come quietly, but you are still entitled to give it a go under the following circumstances:

* If you witness an indictable offence taking place - you witness someone in the act of breaking certain laws, you are entitled to intervene.
* If you know someone is guilty of an indictable offence - your housemate admits that he buried the landlord under the patio. He has a wild look in his eye, and there's blood all over his hands. Nick him.

The important word his is 'indictable'. It means an offence that is, or could be, tried in a crown court. Somehow I don't think your quite right dorwey , but nice try anyway

portlandboy wrote:
You may snigger but it worked for the Krays! Their "patch" was always a safe place for the general public.

seahear wrote:

portlandboy wrote:
You may snigger but it worked for the Krays! Their "patch" was always a safe place for the general public.

Good grief...

so we want people who don't beat up their friends but beat up everyone else who gets in their (self-serving)way?

The Krays were evil men (torture, murder, armed robbery - to name but a few). That's a fact.

Portland isn't going to be helped by matching evil with evil.

Wykeite wrote:
This proposed scheme that is to be run by the residents of Portland is to be run in a similar way the PubWatch and ShopWatch are. I cannot recall walking into either a pub nor a shop and being greeted by security staff wielding a baseball bat, so I do not understand where this line of thought has sprouted from. If this group is going to act in accordance with the law and be extra eyes and ears for the police and also have the guts to point out the troublemakers in a court of law, then this can only be a good thing for the residents of Portland?

Sylvia2 wrote:
I am sick and tired of reading how the people of Portland slag off the Police for their problems. These rampant youths are the product of bad parenting and now these same parents expect the police to sort out their kids. Get a grip. Bring up your children properly and then perhaps we can all sleep safely. Too many people today expect Police to sort out their lives and problems. Take some responsibilty. These kids were not born bad!!!! Why blame the polie for the problems you have created? Why o why always expect someone else to pick the pieces.

portlandresident wrote:
Can I suggest that if you must patrol the area yourselves, you dress responsibly, and in a way which makes you look friendly and approachable? If I were to see you patrolling in the clothes pictured, you too would look like the kind of people who undertake the thug-like behaviour that you're trying to stop! What's more, I would like to re-assure you that as you're not trained police officers, you're not going to set a good impression for our island. It's a shame it's had to come to this, but like I said, if you must do it, at least get yourselves smart!!

Sylvia2 wrote:
I am sick and tired of reading how the people of Portland slag off the Police for their problems. These rampant youths are the product of bad parenting and now these same parents expect the police to sort out their kids. Get a grip. Bring up your children properly and then perhaps we can all sleep safely. Too many people today expect Police to sort out their lives and problems. Take some responsibilty. These kids were not born bad!!!! Why blame the polie for the problems you have created? Why o why always expect someone else to pick the pieces.

Sylvia2 wrote:
Yes of course children from 'good' parents can go off the rails but when I was young the parents dealt with it not went whining to the police to sort it out. That is my argument that more and more people expect the police to sort out their lives. You all rant and rave about Dorset Police but try living in an inner city area and then stand back and see what a beautiful and safer environment you live in. If officers get this attitude from you lot and no support from the public or the government, who are if you are not aware are currently cutting down on officers, how do you think they feel. If you whine that you pay your taxes etc, then take your £1 back or whatever measly sum it is. I support our hardworking men and women in Dorset Police and officers all over the country who risk their lives to keep us safe. No I am not exagerating...look at the officer blinded by Raoul Moat and look how many die on duty. Just shut up you moaning lot. Get a life. If you want to help join the specials or go out for a night on the Patrol Obeserver scheme and see what they deal with.

Sylvia2 wrote:
I have drafted a request for the council's consideration, something which a large number of Weymouth residents have been discussing for some time, that is to remove a large section of Chesil Beach therefore preventing any Portlanders from leaving the Island. Whether it will solve the issue of gang violence on Portland I'm not so sure but it sure would solve all of Weymouth's problems!!!

portlandboy wrote:

portlandresident wrote:
Can I suggest that if you must patrol the area yourselves, you dress responsibly, and in a way which makes you look friendly and approachable? If I were to see you patrolling in the clothes pictured, you too would look like the kind of people who undertake the thug-like behaviour that you're trying to stop! What's more, I would like to re-assure you that as you're not trained police officers, you're not going to set a good impression for our island. It's a shame it's had to come to this, but like I said, if you must do it, at least get yourselves smart!!

Sorry, my message was in reply to the above quote.
The only people the Kray's were "evil" towards were those who were evil too and overstepped the line. My grandfather was a prison officer and had one of them in his charge. He always said that the day they were imprisoned was the day London became a dangerous place to walk at night

Genghis wrote:
The Krays only hurt evil types? Their crimes included armed robberies, arson, protection rackets, violent assaults and murders. Who do you think were the victims of the protection rackets? Club owners, pub landlords and proprietors of other businesses in the area such as shops. Yes a lot of the violence was against other thugs trying to muscle in on their territory. But much of the violence was against those local businessmen who refused or defaulted on their protection payments. Criminals and thugs would describe thr Krays, heroes and saints would be stretching it a light year or two too far.

FitterC wrote:
I can't say I blame the police for distancing themselves from this matter.

Vigilante groups are a bad idea... And how can one have any confidence in one who calls himself "Chaz" and who looks like a yob himself?

Having one rabble attempting to "police" another will end in tears.

Sylvia2 wrote:
Yes of course children from 'good' parents can go off the rails but when I was young the parents dealt with it not went whining to the police to sort it out. That is my argument that more and more people expect the police to sort out their lives. You all rant and rave about Dorset Police but try living in an inner city area and then stand back and see what a beautiful and safer environment you live in. If officers get this attitude from you lot and no support from the public or the government, who are if you are not aware are currently cutting down on officers, how do you think they feel. If you whine that you pay your taxes etc, then take your £1 back or whatever measly sum it is. I support our hardworking men and women in Dorset Police and officers all over the country who risk their lives to keep us safe. No I am not exagerating...look at the officer blinded by Raoul Moat and look how many die on duty. Just shut up you moaning lot. Get a life. If you want to help join the specials or go out for a night on the Patrol Obeserver scheme and see what they deal with.

Genghis wrote:
The Krays only hurt evil types? Their crimes included armed robberies, arson, protection rackets, violent assaults and murders. Who do you think were the victims of the protection rackets? Club owners, pub landlords and proprietors of other businesses in the area such as shops. Yes a lot of the violence was against other thugs trying to muscle in on their territory. But much of the violence was against those local businessmen who refused or defaulted on their protection payments. Criminals and thugs would describe thr Krays, heroes and saints would be stretching it a light year or two too far.

PoetPeter wrote:

FitterC wrote: I can't say I blame the police for distancing themselves from this matter. Vigilante groups are a bad idea... And how can one have any confidence in one who calls himself "Chaz" and who looks like a yob himself? Having one rabble attempting to "police" another will end in tears.

What? The police should "distance" themselves? So you support them hiding away and failing to fulfill their responsibility? Of course vigilantism is a bad idea but so is having a lazy, useless and absent police force!

Eggy bread wrote:
Oh dear, by the time this lot have finished sorting out the yobs they are barely better than, then Portland will resemble some sort of wild west ghost town. Perhaps Mel Brooks may like to feature it in his next film.....Blazing Rockapes!!!

Eggy bread wrote:
Oh dear, by the time this lot have finished sorting out the yobs they are barely better than, then Portland will resemble some sort of wild west ghost town. Perhaps Mel Brooks may like to feature it in his next film.....Blazing Rockapes!!!

portlandboy wrote:

Genghis wrote:
The Krays only hurt evil types? Their crimes included armed robberies, arson, protection rackets, violent assaults and murders. Who do you think were the victims of the protection rackets? Club owners, pub landlords and proprietors of other businesses in the area such as shops. Yes a lot of the violence was against other thugs trying to muscle in on their territory. But much of the violence was against those local businessmen who refused or defaulted on their protection payments. Criminals and thugs would describe thr Krays, heroes and saints would be stretching it a light year or two too far.

Doesn't the element of the council tax that is used to fund Dorset Police count as a "protection payment"? At least the Krays provided the service once they received the money!!

PortlandGal82 wrote:
If you ask me, these youths are probably thriving on all this attention they are getting.. Yes I think the police do need to pull their fingers out and do more.. but as a community we need to stop being too scared to go to the police with any information we know and we also need to stop making it the main focus of the island when in all other aspects it is a beautiful place to live and has a lot more going for it...They will soon get bored if they are not getting the attention they so desperately need.. (probably due to a lack of attention and love from their home lives). I think the whole idea of sticking together as a community and looking out for ourselves is a great idea but we need to do this by standing up to the Police and making them realise how important it is for them to do their job properly and stop all these ridiculous debates . We need to spread our ''Voice in numbers''. The more the police hear from us the more likely they are to do something about it.... They can't ignore it forever...I hope.

FreeRadical wrote:
Vigilante groups, neighbourhood watch schemes or other complete waste-of-time ventures are not the answer. If the same upstanding advocates of these groups were to focus their attention on the proper upbringing of their own offspring rather than blaming the Police / Council / Government for their own failures then Portland would be a much better place.
I run daily on Portland, am ex military and know how to look after myself. However, the untamed, hooded, youths lurking in the alleys of Fortuneswell unnerve me to the point where I am forced to run in the road to avoid the risk of being attacked as I run through. I was warned last year, by the Police, of an assault upon a runner who was dragged into a lane, beaten, and deprived of music player, watch and sunglasses by a group of kids who should have been at school.
The problem lies at home. In this time of national recession, please don’t waste our taxes on schemes to mitigate your failures.

portlandboy wrote:

portlandresident wrote: Can I suggest that if you must patrol the area yourselves, you dress responsibly, and in a way which makes you look friendly and approachable? If I were to see you patrolling in the clothes pictured, you too would look like the kind of people who undertake the thug-like behaviour that you're trying to stop! What's more, I would like to re-assure you that as you're not trained police officers, you're not going to set a good impression for our island. It's a shame it's had to come to this, but like I said, if you must do it, at least get yourselves smart!!

Sorry, my message was in reply to the above quote. The only people the Kray's were "evil" towards were those who were evil too and overstepped the line. My grandfather was a prison officer and had one of them in his charge. He always said that the day they were imprisoned was the day London became a dangerous place to walk at night

RobinofLocksley wrote:
Today (Sat 7th) we learn that Shane Smith, whose recent offences helped start this whole issue going, has got 2 years. One less thing for Portlanders to worry about, at least for a while. I comment on it here as (surprise, surprise) one cannot comment on the story directly.

RobinofLocksley wrote:
Today (Sat 7th) we learn that Shane Smith, whose recent offences helped start this whole issue going, has got 2 years. One less thing for Portlanders to worry about, at least for a while. I comment on it here as (surprise, surprise) one cannot comment on the story directly.

Sylvia2 wrote:
Yes of course children from 'good' parents can go off the rails but when I was young the parents dealt with it not went whining to the police to sort it out. That is my argument that more and more people expect the police to sort out their lives. You all rant and rave about Dorset Police but try living in an inner city area and then stand back and see what a beautiful and safer environment you live in. If officers get this attitude from you lot and no support from the public or the government, who are if you are not aware are currently cutting down on officers, how do you think they feel. If you whine that you pay your taxes etc, then take your £1 back or whatever measly sum it is. I support our hardworking men and women in Dorset Police and officers all over the country who risk their lives to keep us safe. No I am not exagerating...look at the officer blinded by Raoul Moat and look how many die on duty. Just shut up you moaning lot. Get a life. If you want to help join the specials or go out for a night on the Patrol Obeserver scheme and see what they deal with.