Road springs into action

As two suspects sprinted past shoppers and shopkeepers, some shouted directions to those of us who took up chase.

A lady in a car stopped to give us a lift and a builder got straight onto the phone to the police.

I didn’t get the impression that anybody shied away from doing the right thing.

Without a megaphone, clear instructions and a rehearsal, it is hard to coordinate community action.

After all, we can’t just tackle anybody who happens to be running down the road.

Fortunately, I could hear an alarm and I could see my friend Simon Cooper, the jeweller, in the distance starting to take chase.

But I don’t see that standing up for our neighbours in this way is heroic. It is our duty.

My late father would have helped and it was drummed into me. Not helping is cowardly.

Those who are able, and most can help in some way, should be defending our small local businesses, and fellow residents generally.

Those on George Street who helped should be proud. If the community sprung into action like that every time, there wouldn’t be any shoplifting.

Robert Nemeth,
Conservative candidate for Wish Ward

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here