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Post by Monvillez on Jan 30, 2011 21:03:52 GMT 1
Spent an hour down at the 27 mound this afternoon with the missus and my 4-year-old boy. Noticed a couple of shifty looking yobs driving up and down Dungeon Lane in a small red Vauxhall Combo van, occasionally drivng around the cars parked at the mound. They seemed to be fixated on the Canon gear I was adorning around my neck and their suspicious behaviour made me feel quite intimidated.
I know there are many forum regulars frequenting this area, many of which taking photos with, no doubt, expensive equipment. I would urge you all to be on your guard as I believe these urchins may be up to no good.
Has anybody else had experience of such activities?
Regards.
Garry
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Post by viscount on Jan 30, 2011 21:57:09 GMT 1
Yes, do be on your guard even in daylight - why do you think there are no evening reports from 27 mound from the LJLA locals (apart from the fact it is dark and cold)?
A point to consider is, it is just as likely they were unsettled by the presence of large lenses on cameras as you were of their dubious behaviour. Cameras = surveillance = prevented from doing what they would like to, and if they do it regardless = recognition = possibility of a visit by the law = conviction evidence in court. They were likely as suspicious of your intent as you were of them. The unsettling difference is that while they might just possibly consider using force to remove the threat symbolised by your camera (and raise some drink/drug money selling it on), you wouldn't dream of using force to stop them driving around antisocially. But then, regretably, thats a reflection of elements of todays teenage society around former Council estates, which unfortunately is where the 27 mound is situated. Also a sign I'm getting on and the generation/social class gap is showing.
Having typed these comments, hesitant about posting them as I do not intend them to be the start of discussion/slagging off a small element of the next generation - but adding to the general warning from Monvillez that the 27 mound is adjacent to a recognised deprived housing area and so also used by the residents from there.
Never heard of trouble directly affecting public gathered at the 27 mound in daylight hours - but there is always a first time.
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Post by LPL on Jan 30, 2011 21:57:47 GMT 1
Phone the Police on 999 the Airport Police hotline on 07764 656490 with details of the place, time and other relevant information such as a car registration number (this last bit taken from the FoLA website).
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Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2011 23:39:13 GMT 1
In about 1999 I was parked down just past the mound when a gang of yobs bailed out of a stolen car at around 11am . They clocked me, but made off. I called the police, they were quickly caught. I had to go to the police station and give a statement, then a while later I was summoned to appear in court as a witness, but thankfully was not required to give evidence on the day - they pleaded guilty.
In the court waiting room I met the woman whose car it was and she was very thankful for my helping her to get it back in one piece, so that at least made the stress of the day seem worthwhile.
The Police told me they also found cannabis on them when they were caught. I was glad to do my bit, but it was a bit scary and the prospect of standing up in court giving evidence against them did not totally appeal !!
But, just to confirm - do be aware of goings on down there, it is not a very salubrious place to be.
Cheers,
Dave
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2011 1:01:39 GMT 1
Sadly, it was ever thus. Even in the early 60s, the area was notorious. The Dove and Olive (Branch) was one of the roughest pubs in S Liverpool in its' day, and I was told there were high fives all around the police stations of S Liverpool when its' licence was finally revoked and it was demolished. The Pegasus had a similar reputation, and no doubt there were many who were glad to see the back of it, too.
Garston was pretty rough in those days, but there was still a sort of camaraderie among the residents because they all knew each other. The people who moved out to the council estates in Speke came from many different parts of Liverpool, and there was no real relationship between the people who moved there.
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Post by coaxingtin on Jan 31, 2011 8:59:24 GMT 1
As Dave wrote <not a very salubrious place to be>
No, especially as controllers drive past there, including one from Glasgae!
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Post by Biggles on Feb 1, 2011 0:28:22 GMT 1
Carmedics idea of photographing any suspicious characters is a good one, it takes no time with a long lens to get a good shot, faces cars and reg details are superb if anythiong happens then or later. The more it is done it will soon get round the yob community that it may be a bad place to visit when spotters are about.
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Post by viscount on Feb 1, 2011 9:50:05 GMT 1
Ummm.....
Good advice from the security of your sitting sofa.
Four onto one is pretty poor odds if they take exception to you pointing a camera in their faces.
Although totally agree with the principle.
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Post by copperbob on Feb 1, 2011 10:43:18 GMT 1
Professionally speaking I'd thought I'd add my twopenneth worth!.
This problem is unfortunately a occurence at a lot of airports due to their locations etc. I walk the country park at BHX quite a bit with my dog, my g/f and sometimes alone. I was there Saturday for 2 hours ish with my dog, and the main part of the park is full of families, dog walkers etc, but if you wander off the beaten track so to speak, down by the side of the airfield fence you do see some undesireables! I did on Saturday, coming face to face with 2 of Birminghams finest. I have to say, having dealt with numerous victims of crime in my time, and believe me, its 1000's! these "yobs" pray on the vulnerable, and often if you have an air of confidence about you, walk purposely and not head bowed, hunched up, most of them do not have the confidence themselves to pray on people like that. Most of these people are oppurtunists, cowards and not the brightest!
Don't flaunt your cameras, binocs etc. Lock your cars if away from them even for a minute, don't invite crime, (i'm not trying to teach anyone to suck eggs, but you'd be surprised at the attitude of some "it won't happen to me people")
As for photographing them, well, this is one option, equally, jot down the reg number and a quick description etc. Also, don't be worried about ringing 999 or the local number if you know it. I am sure the local bobbies will be more than happy to come and look for these individuals, and put a presence in the area.
It was quite funny on Saturday watching the air support heli take off from BHX, fly less than 400 yards to watch the local yobs on scramblers and quad bikes tearing up an area of the park, with the decorative bull terriers! (not riding them, even if they have more intelligence)
Sorry if this appears as a rant or anyone feels it to be condescending (it's not meant to be) and as an aside! my Mother, god rest her soul, and my sisters were born in Conleach road, Speke, and I "played" there as a small boy myself, I know the area well, and there has always been a problem but with some confidence and being positive maybe, just maybe, the local present day yobs may get the message!
Bob
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Post by Biggles on Feb 1, 2011 11:52:44 GMT 1
Well said Bob. These days with most camera lens bridge or dslr having a lower 24/28 or even 18m angle it is hardly necessary too point a camera directly in the face of anyone be it EZY, RYR or scum bag  |
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Post by Monvillez on Feb 1, 2011 20:31:33 GMT 1
I think another unnerving point is that that whole area is a potentially easy ambush point. From the footpaths that lead to the river and Baileys Lane itself there are a number of routes available to these yobs to sneak up on the unsuspecting spotter/photographer. When I first saw these two casing me I was like a meerkat after that checking for any movement behind me!
I never meant to start this thread to worry people but I feel it has served as a good reminder to people to be on their guard. I often log in to see what I've missed during the day and see posts from all the forum regulars who must be, at some times, stood there alone with no back up at all.
LPL's/FOLA's advice on the direct line to the airport police (07764 656490 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 07764 656490 end_of_the_skype_highlighting)is a gem as I see it and I would urge you all to put this into your mobiles just in case. The airport police are far more likely to respond in a more timely manner than the local bobbies in my humble opinion.
Furthermore, I think 999 might be a bit over the top for suspicious behaviour so in case anyone is not aware the Merseyside Police general switchboard is 0151 709 6010.
Stay safe!
Regards,
Garry
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Post by Biggles on Feb 2, 2011 1:03:26 GMT 1
One point re using mobile phones for emergency calls is and most people only discover this too late, is the fact th at all mobile 999 calls are routed to a call centre which is probably nowhere near Merseyside let alone LPJL, therefore don`t assume the 999 operator will know what part of the UK Police/ Fire/ Ambulance response unit you will be nearest to your incident.
I found this out when in Chester and called 999 and got conected to a Geordie sounding Police Officer, when I told her the location in Upton near Chester she had no idea where Chester was let alone Upton. So my advice with mobile 999 calls is confirm where you are and dont assume it is like a land line call and local - ish.
They have even suggested making landline 999 centers move to London as a central base. I hope that idea got binned.
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Post by RICEY on Feb 2, 2011 2:59:04 GMT 1
like whats been said your best giving the police airport unit a ring on that number as they can get to you alot faster than if you go via the 999 system.
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Post by liverpoolman1 on Feb 2, 2011 9:26:22 GMT 1
Yesterdays comments from Copperbob are common sense. The problem is not confined to LJLA or Liverpool in general - although the media would like you to believe it is. I have just looked at the www.Police.uk website for the area in which I live and even though I believe I am safe the greatest shown crime is Anti-Social Behaviour. The comments on this section reflect ASB as prevelant in society in general and not just at LJLA. This is no reason to be complacent and we should all be ready to report any anti-social behaviour. Remember, we have the right to be relaxed in our own location and pursue our hobby without feeling intimidated. |
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Post by superian on Feb 2, 2011 14:52:46 GMT 1
As a result of reading this thread, I've taken the liberty of putting the airport police phone no. into my mobile. As has been mentioned, how many members are often alone on the mound?
Ian.
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