No justice for law abiding people ?
Abergavenny Chronicle - 27 February 2003
A SENIOR Abergavenny police officer has claimed the law is failing ‘ordinary people’ and warned the situation will continue to
deteriorate unless drastic action is taken.
Detective Sergeant Howard Salmon was speaking after an outbreak of ‘mindless vandalism’ when more than 60 cars in the
town were damaged over the weekend. It is estimated that the cost of repair to the owners will be in excess of
£5,000 - and unlikely to be covered by insurance.
The damage began in the Mardy area on Friday night, when tyres were slashed on over 50 cars, many of which were also scratched.
“Almost every road in the Mardy was targeted,” said Det Sgt Salmon. “Whoever did this systematically walked up and down almost every street in
the area not only puncturing tyres but scratching vehicles. “We are connecting these offences to a further 12 similar acts of
damage reported in the Holywell Crescent and Fosterville Crescent area on Saturday,” he added.
“There can be no reason for this type of offence - mindless vandalism. Sadly there were probably other
vehicles damaged but people didn’t bother to report it because they thought we wouldn’t be able to do anything.
“The people targeted in these attacks were hard working people who need their vehicles,” said Det Sgt Salmon.
He called for the law to pay more attention to the victims of crime, and less to the offenders.
“It is a sad reflection on society when there is no justice for working people who abide by the law and contribute to
the country. We’ve listened for too long to the do-gooders and this is now being reflected in criminals showing
scant regard for others,” said Det Sgt Salmon.
“The fear of punishment is no longer there as the offenders are
offered far more help than victims. This is not just a local issue and I believe it has to be addressed on
nationwide basis before it is too late,” he said. “The residents of the Mardy deserve to have their village policed as
much as anyone else but it is becoming more difficult for this to happen. Policing an area is
like cutting up a cake every rate payer is entitled to an equal share, but the ‘slices’ we are
able to give are getting thinner and thinner as the demand gets greater.
“I wish it could be different but this is a nationwide problem affecting the police force and many other
public services,” said Det Sgt Salmon.
