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Parents angry over cops’ ‘martial arts’ comment
by Ria Nortcliffe10/ 9/2008
A COUPLE whose teenage son was robbed in broad daylight are shocked and angered after police responded by suggesting that their son take up martial arts.
The boy’s parents called the town’s police station after their son and two of his friends were approached by three youths while walking along Alderley Road, near the Kings Arms roundabout at around 5pm on Saturday, August 28.
The youths demanded that they empty their pockets and took mobile phones from the three teenagers and a DS player, a birthday present, was also taken.
But instead of dispatching officers police told the family that they might have to wait up to three days before an officer could come round. The response was due to other emergency calls being dealt with, they said.
Not happy with the reply, his mum called 999 while his dad drove to Wilmslow Police Station - but it was closed.
Two hours later police upgraded the priority of the call and agreed to send an officer to their house. The policeman took the boy’s dad out in the car to try to find the youths, without success, and also suggested that the teenager learn martial arts to be able to defend himself in future.
His mum, who does not want the family to be identified, said: "The robbers were on foot so the police might have caught up with them if they responded promptly. I was shocked that the police station was closed. And I was also angry that the policeman who eventually came told my son to take up martial arts - what kind of a response is that? My son was shaken by it and I am angry that he is feeling unsafe about being out in town".
The police response was poor. They did deal with it well once they were there, but they had to be pestered.
" I do believe in the police but feel disappointed by this."
A Wilmslow Police spokesman said he was unable to give any further comment about the incident.
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• Steals and immediately before or;
• At the time of doing so, and in order to do so, uses force on any person, or
• Puts or seeks to put any person in fear of being then and there subjected to force. An arrestable offence falling into the same category as rape,and murder three hour turn out well done
11/09/2008 at 19:51