I Got Mugged Last Night
I was mugged last night in Heath. I’ve been advised by the police that I can’t go into too many details, but I was walking home from work and was approached from behind. I had my earphones in so didn’t hear him until he was close.
He asked for my money. I informed him that wasn’t going to happen in two words (4, 3 crossword fans) that aren’t really suitable for here. I turned away and was punched in the back of the head. A scrap ensued, him punching, me biting and grabbing his family jewels. If you can’t fight, fight dirty.
I got him off me and ran to the first house with lights on. I must say the proprietor wasn’t particularly helpful, speaking through the window and asking me to stand away from the house. He may have been an older man, but still, I think it says something about the way we live now when people are too scared to help. Pausing for breath and checking the street I proceeded to run home and call the police.
I managed to keep my wallet but the git got away with my phone. I had removed it to turn off the mp3 player so I could ring the police. I later learned that I rang the last number I dialled, which was my mum who heard the incident. Sorry mum.
The police were swift to respond and after they did an initial sweep of the area, I went out in the van with them to see if I could spot anyone. The windows on police vans are darkened to protect passengers’ identities but it does slightly hinder one's ability to see at night.
One wrong spotting later, we went to Llanishen Police Station. My only experiences of police stations were visiting one in Penarth on a school visit when I was six and Life On Mars (I’m not a fan of The Bill), so pretty limited then.
A few swabs (when they eventually found some distilled water) inside my mouth for my DNA and on my cheek where the git hit me for his, a statement, a handing over of the coat and gloves I was wearing, a flick through some pictures of people matching my description on an ancient Compaq (there were some terrible haircuts), a cup of tea and that was that. I was there for about two hours but where the time went I do not know. They dropped me back and I gave them my jeans, not as a present, but the git had got some of his hand into the pocket where I keep my wallet. I might have to go shopping for some new clothes. Any excuse.
Today a police officer came around to my house to photograph my injuries although none of them were really visible. I was advised that if they started looking worse, give the station a ring as the nastier they look, the better apparently.
Later two CID (Criminal Investigation Department) officers came over (not sure if they were Detective Constables, Detective Sergeants or Detective Inspectors) to take me back to the station to look at more pictures. I couldn’t identify the git last night, but pointed out two possibilities this time. On the drive back, I asked if there was any recommended advice for such situations.
“I would have put up a fight as well, but some people just say no and that can work. Some people just hand things over straight away, some run. It’s whatever you feel comfortable with to deal with the situation” replied one of them.
Directgov says “If you are confronted by a mugger, the best idea is to give them your things, especially if they're threatening you with a knife.
Remember that you can easily replace your belongings or cancel your cards if they are stolen, so don't put yourself at risk of being seriously injured just to keep hold of your stuff.”
If I could offer some advice, I’d recommend not listening to music with headphones on if you are walking alone at night. Keep a copy of your contacts; I’m going to have to set up one of those annoying 'I lose mi numbez argh!!!!!!!!!!!' groups on Facebook. And run first and then call the police. That was definitely an error.
FYI - according to one of the PCs last night, I would have been within my rights to punch the git in the mouth when he demanded my money. I wouldn’t recommend this unless you have a tasty right hook.
And so here I sit, without a phone but with a sore head, elbow and teeth. I don’t know when I’ll be getting my coat, gloves and jeans back from the police. I've blocked my phone, hopefully the git didn't ring a load of sex phone lines before I got back from the police station.
But I’m okay, all things considered.
TheSprout would like to thank our beloved sub-editor Sam for sharing his terrible experience, and we hope he makes the full recovery he deserves after this cowardly act of crime. Anyone with any information should contact Llanishen Police Station on 029 2022 211.
For advice on staying safe around Cardiff, contact Grassroots who have recently held workshops on minimising violent crime.
2 Comments – Postiwch sylw
Scattered
Rhoddwyd sylw 29 mis yn ôl - 15th December 2009 - 17:53pm
Dude - you are a braver man than I. I would have let out a girly scream, pleaded with the git "not the face, not the face" and handed over everything. Good on ya for biting and crunching his yarbles.
alexCLIC
Rhoddwyd sylw 29 mis yn ôl - 16th December 2009 - 11:05am
Sorry to hear that Sam! So glad your ok now.
Its true, belongings can always be replaced, the important thing is that your safe