Keeping it real

I have shopped regularly at Bluewater since the place opened - I’m no fan, it’s just convenient. Over the last two years I’ve noticed a growing problem with gangs of feral children thus attired. I have been threatened with violence for refusing to give a cigarette to a member of such a gang. Two friends have had their cars stolen from the car park there. I have also, on many occasions, witnessed gangs intimidating shoppers and shopworkers alike. On Friday evening last week I witnessed the police threatening to arrest a gang of approximately 15-20 teenagers if they didn’t desist from causing a public nuisance.

I think Bluewater’s reaction is entirely justified. If you’re a regular punter wearing a cap there won’t be a problem. If you’re in a gang wearing these clothes then you can expect to be tackled.

People’s concerns have focussed on this action representing some kind of creeping fascism and limitation of personal freedoms. There’s plenty for young people to do at Bluewater yet these feral gangs choose to prowl the car parks and outdoor areas - often late at night. Why? To be a nuisance one presumes.

No doubt bleeding heart liberals will be on here with tales of mods and rockers and moral panics of former years. As a secondary school teacher, who worked in the area until recently, I know there is an enormous problem with antisocial behaviour. Yes, we should tackle the person first and foremost without resorting to common prejudices. However, Bluewater is a private shopping centre run by a private company who have the right to eject those whom it feels damage the atmosphere for the majority of shoppers. Why wear a hood indoors? It’s nonsense and the staff of the centre are right to assume such people may be up to no good.

Come on you liberal - ‘Oooh we can’t do that’ - types, have a go. What kind of pussy blog is this??

I used to live in Southern Cal where they have gang problems. Many high schools banned the wearing of LA Raiders gear, as it had become a code-identity for ‘I am a thug’.