Street Violence Stories

This section contains summaries of and links to news stories about witnesses taking a stand against street violence. Most are from Hackney and Islington where we piloted the street violence map and the SPARKLE campaign.

Police praise public for help

01 October 2011

Chief Inspector Tony Henley heaped praise on members of the public who helped plain clothed officers catch a thief in Kent.  He singled out one man in particular for helping to hold down the thief saying "It was an outstanding piece of work".  He went on to thank the public who helped direct the pursuing officers which way the thief had gone.  If more confident witnesses don't walk on by when they see crime and do report, help or even just direct the police then criminals will be deterred from committing offences in the first place.

Witness helps secure conviction

13 September 2011

A witness was praised by the British Transport Police for helping secure the conviction of a knife-wielding thug who chased a man down a tube station platform.  DS Fin Egan of the BTP said: “I would like to thank the member of public for coming forward and providing excellent evidence which helped secure a conviction in court."  The case highlights how vital witnesses are in bringing those responsible for crime to justice.

Lady helps thwart robbers

28 September 2011

A 66 year old golfer helped police apprehend three knife-wielding robbers who stole from her golf club.  She had just arrived for a golf lesson when she grabbed one of the robbers before officers arrived and detained the suspect.  DC Supt Brian Dillon paid tribute to "the member of the public who had the courage to assist the police." The three men were arrested and charged.

Would-be thief put off by passer-by

06 September 2011

A passer-by called out to an 88 year old woman in East Lothian when he saw her being mugged.  This was enough to put off the thief who then ran off.  As this case shows you don't have to be a have-a-go hero to help prevent street violence.  The passer-by didn't walk on by, they shouted and the thief ran away.

Man stands up to thugs on bus

21 September 2011

32 year old Tim Smits didn't turn a blind eye when he saw a pensioner and a pregnant woman being abused on a bus.  He confronted the gang on their manners and should be praised for being so brave.  You don't have to be a hero like Mr. Smits though, there are many things you can do to be a confident witness.  Just check our SPARKLE campaign and together we can help deter these crimes from happening.

Passer-by helps foil robbery

03 July 2011

A 13 year old robbery victim was saved from further harm after a passer-by intervened in Waltham Forest.  The passer-by alerted a nearby police patrol who chased the robbers away.  This is another good example of the positive impact people on the street can have in helping detect and deter crime simply by not walking on by.
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