Grayling

I had similar thoughts but did not reply as my views seem to upset a few people

"There are none so blind as those who will not see"

G

kirsty&al

Maybe this depends on where one came from and where one has gone.

I have not seen as many memorials here as I saw in the UK (over an equivalent time frame). I have also noticed that the memorials here seem to remain longer. (This again may be dependent upon the locality.) Southwark council only allowed the memorials to last a couple of weeks.

My personal experience is that there were a lot more joy-riders in the UK than there are hoons in Aus. As other people in Aus seem to have a problem with hoons, I am prepared to accept that hoonism and joy-riding are comparable problems in both countries.

A

tracey.d

I can't really comment on the situation in Oz but we did experience a so-called Hoon whilst over there last year but at that point didnt realise that it was common although it was quite shocking.

I can comment on this country though, well my area at least. There are plenty of joy-riders around here, well not in my area as such but just down the road where I used to live. As for kids with cars there are a fair few around here who have not long since left school but are now parading around in their (much better than mine) cars.

There has been a fair amount of kids killed in cars too. A few years ago 3 young girls were walking up the street together when a car (ridden by a joy-rider) ploughed into them on the pavement. 2 were killed and one lost both of her legs. They were only young, around 10 if I remember rightly. Admittedly it was some time ago and I'm not saying that it is worse here but just highlighting the fact that it is as bad.

I agree totally with what you are saying though re same crime etc. over there. I think it would be very unrealistic for anybody to think otherwise.

I also agree with people who say that it depends on the area you live in, with cases of joy-riding etc.

Drugs however is a different matter. You are as likely to find drugs in schools from the higher income bracket areas as from those who are less well off. This is becoming a huge problem in all areas the world over. As is violence.
I dont really want to get into any arguments as to which is the best because I think both countries will have the same problems.
I just find it really sad the way the world is becoming so unsafe for our kids

Grayling

Here's a bit of news that may relate to the above:


http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117...3-1243,00.html

G

tracey.d

There are some right tossers in this world .

The lad who ploughed into the 3 girls ran off too. He was caught soon after though. Can't remember how long he got but I know he was walking round town not much more than a year later. I saw him going into the same pub where the 2 girls who dieds mum was. Can't imagine how that must have felt for her

jad n rich

Its good hoons and the resulting fatalities was discussed, but the links didnt actually mention that subject.

Articles were drinking binges by aussie women/teens.

Gangs in shopping Malls.

Teacher stabbed.

Homeless youth and junkies.

The reason I chose them was the amount of times the above problems have been mentioned in the UK and the number 'escaping' them and the amount of arguments that happen if someone dares mention it happens here too, I suppose backing it up with links and pictures leaves little doubt that it really happens in Aus as well. Interesting response anyway.

tracey.d

Yes, I know. Sorry got a bit side-tracked there.

I think you are right in highlighting it as it makes others aware of whats going on.

I sometimes think that on some threads which start off light-hearted are turned into witch hunts by people wanting to ram the point down peoples throats. Maybe this thread keeps it seperate

Tracey

wanderingwombat

It's a lot easier to rai$e revenue when you can catch lots of people exceeding by a little rather than chasing the single doing excessive speed.

It's no excuse for the behaviour though.

It's not just a local problem. There is video footage from the Middle East of a range of vehicles in broad daylight on public roads doing REALLY dangerous stuff ie sliding, 4WD's balanced on 2 wheels. Now that is really scary considering the crowds.

The young bloke ascross the road has just bought a flash hotted up Lancer with all the go fast stuff. It doesnt go anywhere as fast as his mother's old beat up Camira did! LOL

WW

kirsty&al

Sorry, but you mentioned hoons in post 3 of this thread.

As your initial post seemed to be getting at people who dis the UK because of crime (when in fact crime is comparable in both countries) I was highlighting, that surely dissing Aus for hoons (as if this sort of thing does not happen in the UK) is no better for providing balance.

A

jad n rich

I think the real problem here is not that we have or havent discussed hoons, its that you dont like the thread, as indicated in your 'getting at' comment.

Its not getting at anyone its a thread in response to the numerous Escape the UK threads that reguarly appear on the OZ forum. You talk about providing balance, well I just did

kirsty&al

Nope. I've got no beef with the thread.

A

merlotsmum

My experience of the NSW Central Coast is of crime, drugs and social problems, many come on here and sing the praises of this area saying how wonderful it is.

Neither of us are wrong, it is just what you have been exposed to but the fact remains both countries have huge problems to deal with.

MMum

arkon

Well said, and it did need to be said. But people are right it is not so bad here as they are called hoons which doesn't sound so bad as yobs.

arkon

Theres at least 5 memorials to kids killed in cars on the roads within about 10k of me too. The all drive huge overly powerfull cars and can actually afford to insure them, which is where I think the UK wins hands down. When I was 17 all I could afford to insure was a 1.1 peugot powered by what seemed like a lacky band.

arkon

When we first came to this part of NSW mid north coast I said to a local that I can't believe drugs arn't a massive problem here, as everyone could grow it in their gardens! (the climate seems perfect for it). His response was:- And you think they don't grow any? There is almost no mention of drugs as a problem here until you go and dig up the crime stats and see that its a massive problem. Somehow the media just don't mention most of the crimes that go on and only ever sing the praises of the place.