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Should we stand up to robbers?

3/7/2015

6 Comments

 
Two teenagers who tried to rob a UK newsagent were sent packing by the former bodyguard of the Pakistani Prime Minister.

The pair barged into the shop with hoods up and scarves covering their faces, demanding money at about 8pm on Wednesday. When the owner threatened to ring the police unless they showed their faces, they refused and kept up their insistence for money.

But the shopkeeper, who spent eight years in the Pakistani security police as a former bodyguard to Nawaz Sharif in Pakistan, decided to stand firm against the thugs.

He pretended to reach down to hand over the cash but grabbed a metal pole stashed beneath the counter and chased the thugs of his shop.

A Detective Inspector said, "Thanks to the bravery of the victim, the suspects left empty handed. No violence was threatened or used and no one was injured during this incident. We are determined to trace those responsible." Source: the Telegraph. 

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The fact that the robbers weren't holding guns worked in everyone's favor. Otherwise, the outcome might have been different.

Fifteen years ago, I was working as a temp in a shop in London when a man walked in with a gun and demanded money. I still remember his words. “Hand me all your money. I said all your money.”

The manager signalled to me to open the cash register and pass over the contents while he emptied the safe. We did nothing to anger him, both stunned and cooperative. He left very quickly.

When questioned by the police, we gave his description and the sequence of events, and then tried to come to terms with what happened. Dreams of the scene haunted me for weeks afterward.

I don't believe it's worth arguing with an armed man. However, I'm not a former bodyguard with skill and physical fitness on my side.

Have you ever been robbed? If not, what policy would you adopt?


6 Comments
Diane link
3/6/2015 08:03:23 pm

I've often wondered whether it would be best to fight off a robber or other assailant, or to just let them be. I believe the "it's just money" (or car or whatever) and I'd rather live another day. That said, if I had the means and opportunity, I probably would try to end the confrontation. Great post to get us all thinking!

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Suzy link
3/6/2015 08:12:11 pm

They sure picked the wrong shop when they picked the bodyguard. But it must've been pretty scary and traumatic for you.

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Amy link
3/6/2015 09:41:35 pm

Francene,
I've always dreamed that--if I were ever robbed--I'd know instinctively where to kick or hit the would-be robber and could do it quickly and effectively, rendering him powerless and writhing in agony on the ground, while I calmly dialed the police. But probably I'd just tremble and fall in a dead faint. Thankfully I'd never had to face this.

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Anamika Agnihotri link
3/6/2015 10:53:43 pm

I have never really thought about this. May be I will feel safer too in handing over the valuables if faced with somebody armed with a gun.

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K.Lee Banks link
3/7/2015 05:03:17 am

It's definitely a question to consider, and even have a plan in place. There are so many violent people in the world today who have no consideration for the health or life of another person. So if you're not armed or knowledgeable about how to defend yourself, it's probably better to give the robber what he/she wants and save your life.

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peppylady (Dora) link
3/7/2015 07:06:19 am

It depend how much a robber have the upper hand. I guess have two basic simple thought on this...No amount of money is worth dying for...and I believe most robber isn't about the money it about a power trip.
Coffee is on

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    Francene Stanley
    From England, I use news items in my novels which you can see below, all linked to an Amazon near you.

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