The Saturday on which we arrived back from Greece (1st August) was the same day that, in three separate incidents, local residents in my home village (Hale, Cheshire) were threatened and robbed in broad daylight, by criminals brandishing socket wrenches.
Watches and other personal effects were taken in the modern-day equivalent of a highway robbery. The fact that one of the watches was reported as an Audemars Piguet valued at £98,000 suggest some premeditation on the part of the perpetrators (or an incredible stroke of bad luck in the case of the owner).
I can’t resist the urge to ask “who would wear a watch of that value on the street?” but then remind myself - that’s one of the benefits of living in a free country.
This morning on Instagram I read in horror as our friend Jo Weir reported that a week ago, on accidentally discovering a neighbour’s home being burgled, she was subjected to a terrifying encounter with motorcyclists wearing balaclavas and pursuing her car.
Discussing this with my youngest daughter, a probation officer, she calmly confirms that my post code is a well known target for the fraternity she is called to serve.
A comparison with life in South Africa arises because I have had the good fortune to spend some time working there in recent years. My love for the country and it’s people is tempered by my rapid on-site education to be vigilant at all times, whether on foot or in a car.
I don’t need to explain why as the same rules of vigilance apply in any society where the gap between cohabiting “haves” and “have nots” is wide.
Well I remember reaching lunchtime on one of my first days delivering workshops in India and the incredulity of my host when I suggest I might pop out for a bit of fresh air on the streets of Pune.
Here in the UK we sometimes take for granted our freedoms.
This latest small but significant increase in local crime has me pondering whether the looming economic consequences of Covid-19 may affect us in ways not yet considered, including the need to be more careful about our physical safety as well as health?
Certainly Annie and I have taken time this weekend to talk about this issue and put in place some simple steps to reduce the risk. I don’t think I’m over-reacting or dramatising - this is real.
We have learned to be Covid-vigilant. I’m now adding personal vigilance to my list.
Stay alert.
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