Like everyone else, I have been appalled by the riots; the greed of the looters; the callousness of the thugs. I have been disappointed by some people that have half heartedly spoken to the public; Nick Clegg seemed out of his depth when he met with the local community in Clapham today, and some community speakers used the knee jerk reaction of "It's the police" or "It's because of the cuts".
I am not denying that there might be outside influences causing these actions, however, this does not help the situation or calm many angry, frightened residents and people that are watching on TV.
I was therefore reassured by the new temporary Chief Constable of the Met, who said it as it was; "Call your children; tell them to go home; stop standing in the streets; go home; let the police get on with their job". Brave, sensible talk. Not pussy footing around or trying to find excuses, it was practical stuff.
Today, there was another highlight: the MP for Battersea saying that if your child has new trainers, phone or other equipment, "Ask those difficult questions; where have they come from." She also told parents to march their children to the nearest police station if they have been looting.
This is not the time for excuses; that will come later. In the meantime, our leaders and clear voices need to tell people what to do, to avoid this escalating and also to send the message that this behaviour - excuses or not - is illegal.
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