On a walk with Ayesha on a bright and buzzing afternoon a few days ago, I was accosted by a guy who yanked the watch off my wrist with some force and, after giving me a glare, ran off with two of his accomplices. These things happen in a matter of seconds and leave you stunned and bewildered. It was a brazen robbery in the middle of the day and with lots of people around us. We called 999 and the police arrived in less than ten minutes.
Professional, polite, and diligent, the two officers of the Metropolitan Police first went with us around the block looking for the thieves with no luck. They then stopped to take down the details and got some DNA samples (my hand had a few scratches). Once the formalities were complete, they dropped us home, all the while asking if we needed any counseling support or, should we feel distressed, to call a hotline for trauma management. We were both impressed at the care they took of us, the detailed report they made of the incident, and the explanation they gave us of the forward procedures. We thought that was the end of that.
The next day, I got a call to check how I was doing if I needed anything, and that the investigations were continuing. Then this morning Detective Sergeant Andy S called me saying that they had made an arrest and asked if I could come to the Charring Cross police station. I said it would be difficult for me to come immediately as I did not have a car. So the Met Police dispatched two of their officers, Detective Constables Sam and Olivia who came to fetch me.
Once again, with the usual politeness and professionalism, I was taken to the police station and after another statement, a plastic bag appeared with delightful contents of the recovered goods. I was reunited with my watch!
I was subsequently made to watch a video of nine suspects (one of whom was the arrested suspect). To keep the process fair, the protocol requires that I identify the suspect from nine other similar-looking people. I was told to go with my gut in terms of facial recognition. It is strange how when one goes through a “suspect parade”, the face of the person who assaulted you jumps out at you. To make sure, I had them play the video three times and I am pretty confident that I identified him. It was that smug glare he had given me, that became his undoing in the end.
Here’s to the Metropolitan Police in London, to the first responders and detectives, and to all good police officers everywhere who do a quality job with a smile.
Of Muggings and Thefts
On a walk with Ayesha on a bright and buzzing afternoon a few days ago, I was accosted by a guy who yanked the watch off my wrist with some force and, after giving me a glare, ran off with two of his accomplices. These things happen in a matter of seconds and leave you stunned and bewildered. It was a brazen robbery in the middle of the day and with lots of people around us. We called 999 and the police arrived in less than ten minutes.
Professional, polite, and diligent, the two officers of the Metropolitan Police first went with us around the block looking for the thieves with no luck. They then stopped to take down the details and got some DNA samples (my hand had a few scratches). Once the formalities were complete, they dropped us home, all the while asking if we needed any counseling support or, should we feel distressed, to call a hotline for trauma management. We were both impressed at the care they took of us, the detailed report they made of the incident, and the explanation they gave us of the forward procedures. We thought that was the end of that.
The next day, I got a call to check how I was doing if I needed anything, and that the investigations were continuing. Then this morning Detective Sergeant Andy S called me saying that they had made an arrest and asked if I could come to the Charring Cross police station. I said it would be difficult for me to come immediately as I did not have a car. So the Met Police dispatched two of their officers, Detective Constables Sam and Olivia who came to fetch me.
Once again, with the usual politeness and professionalism, I was taken to the police station and after another statement, a plastic bag appeared with delightful contents of the recovered goods. I was reunited with my watch!
I was subsequently made to watch a video of nine suspects (one of whom was the arrested suspect). To keep the process fair, the protocol requires that I identify the suspect from nine other similar-looking people. I was told to go with my gut in terms of facial recognition. It is strange how when one goes through a “suspect parade”, the face of the person who assaulted you jumps out at you. To make sure, I had them play the video three times and I am pretty confident that I identified him. It was that smug glare he had given me, that became his undoing in the end.
Here’s to the Metropolitan Police in London, to the first responders and detectives, and to all good police officers everywhere who do a quality job with a smile.
Another Flight
MEANDERINGS WITH MY MOTHER
The Ethereal Journey
Heritage Walk Karachi
A Requiem for Raoul’s
A Rikshaw Ride