A target for muggers
From Pamela Campbell Sir; I have read with interest the articles by Petronella Wyatt (Singular life, 28 September and 5 October) on mugging, because 1 have been mugged five times in London.
On one occasion I was obeying staff notices at Holland Park station and walking down the stairs leading to the platforms, was carrying my handbag as the police had recommended, so that it was difficult to take, but realising that I was about to be knocked backwards down the stone steps I gave it up.
Another time I was sitting by myself on a bench waiting for a Circle Line train at Notting Hill station when a man of about 50 stood before me and announced that he was going to rape me. I sat still, as I had read in a newspaper that in this situation one should remain quite still and refrain from making jerky movements. So, after he had moved away a little, I rose slowly but he grabbed my bag — which by this time the police had advised me to carry on my shoulder so that it could be taken easily without injury — and threw it on the railway line. A boy of about 16 climbed on to the track and retrieved it for me, and the man remonstrated with him until we all boarded the same train.
And I am now sure, Petronella, that to avoid being mugged one should not wear anything but jeans and a nondescript jacket.
Pamela Campbell
Moreton-in-Marsh. Gloucestershire
Previous page
