So my quiet town had a visit from our traveller 'friends' this week and

[AndThatsWhatIThinkOfYou]

They wonder why people are so against them setting up camp where ever they please.

They arrived last Wednesday on a football field with a park and caused a whole load of trouble, for example, going to the petrol station handing over euros, being told they won't accept euros as payment, they simple got in their vans and drove of.

Made a visit to our local Sainsburys got caught shoplifting, were locked in until police were called.

Local children playing on park got beaten up with sticks by the traveller children.

And to top it all of 3 vans pulling up outside a local pub, very busy, dropping their trousers and all three disgusting men casually took a shit one by one on the pub doorstep. Got in there vans and drove of.

Then left the football field and park in an absolute mess. Rubbish everywhere.

Each incident police were called but nothing has been done.

So AIBU to wonder why travellers think this behavior is acceptable? and why can't anything be done to stop it?

It wouldn't worry law abiding individuals, we might even get a good behaviour rebate. We could even set tax codes to reflect this.

Exactly Al,wouldn't bother me or f&f in the slightest.Why would it,I don't break the law?

Microchip is probably the way forward.

'Yes. Lets tattoo serial numbers on their wrists...'

Everyone's wrists, the entire country.

That's the scary bit. How much power will you give to those in authority to sort out a problem? How will you live with the consequences?

I don't break the law, I don't indulge in anti social behaviour. Why on earth would that worry me?

I'm not terrified of those in authority,I think the justice system isn't perfect but it's about as good as it can be.

It could incentivise good behaviour.

Tattoos wrists how on earth did you jump to that?

So, do these different ethnic groups (Roma, Irish etc) travel together, or does each group keep to their own?

I am wondering if there is a particular group that are giving all "travellers" a bad name, and if so how the other groups feel about it?

It has become harder and harder for travellers to pursue their way of life and make a living. One example being that the law has changed so travellers who deal in scrap metal are no longer allowed to buy it for cash.

Perhaps if non travellers allowed travellers the opportunities they need to live their lives peacefully and the way they choose without fear of discrimination and extinction, the various communities could live together more harmoniously.

I see it as a great tragedy that so many people seem to want to one way or another drive into extinction the diverse and fascinating culture and people who make up this group.

but seriously now, and to pick up on a point you made upthread silverapples, can you imagine the management of the data being outsourced to private companies, like that infamous one with four in the title, can't remember the exact name but it was staffed by a mixture of ex prisoners and prison guards and disgraced sacked former police men!! I would rather have my delicate sensibilities offended occasionally by a bunch of travellers...

Night perhaps said laws are to ensure they pay tax and don't claim for benefits they're not entitled to if they're earning money - and why on earth not?

There is also an illegal theft in the scrap metal business(ask any farmer or church warden). Even statues/plaques aren't safe.Not accusing any group but there is a problem whoever is doing it.

Little sympathy here I'm afraid,life is changing and harder for us all.

microchips definitely bad news.

And bollocks MrsV.

They can't deal in cash at scrap metal merchants. Boo bloody hoo. That law has stopped the theft of cables, roofs, drain covers and plenty more.

No one can deal in cash anymore - if I want to withdraw cash from the bank they ask me what it's for. That's life.

not being able to deal in cash is a way of controlling people though as every thing is traceable. i agree the scrap metal thing isn't so bad to implement but if everything is electronic then people can be controlled as with the tagging.

It was in the 80's but a christian New Zealander called Barry Smith talked about these matters and it was quite interesting. He used to travel around New Zealand with his wife who was a Maori and he had some interesting theories.

I'm guessing MrsV then you think forced marriage within the muslim community should be allowed and turned a blind eye to.

Sorry but that post was utter tosh.

You do not speak for people and can't bully your opinions onto the opinions of posters.

'And the very people who call for harsher, draconian laws are usually the ones who rant on about being told they can't put tin cans in their wheelie bins or park where ever the hell they want.'

Exactly MrsDV, you can't marginalise and restrict only one section of society, and the insidious danger is that draconic laws have no flexibility or humanity in them. I have no wish to live in a dystopian, authoritarian future with no room for individual freedom of choice.

Ah belittling as well as bullying when posters disagree.