London Faces Rising Crime Wave Following Tourist Incident & Student Death
London, UK – November 21, 2023 – A recent incident involving a Saudi Arabian tourist tackling a phone thief in central London has ignited a debate over escalating crime rates in the British capital, compounded by the fatal stabbing of a Saudi student in Cambridge. The incidents have prompted calls for increased security measures and a re-evaluation of policing strategies.
The initial incident, captured on video and widely circulated, showed Saud bin hariul Al-Subaie successfully apprehending a thief who snatched a mobile phone.This event highlighted a disturbing trend: mobile phone snatching has surged in London, with over 78,000 reported thefts in the past year – a 150% increase. Statistics from the Metropolitan Police show a phone is stolen approximately every six minutes. the incident occurred near Oxford Street, a popular tourist destination known for high foot traffic.This surge in petty theft is occurring alongside a notable rise in violent crime. Since Sadiq Khan assumed office as Mayor of London in 2016, knife crime has increased by 86%, drawing criticism from figures like former US President Donald Trump. Critics point to perceived inconsistencies in policing priorities,citing the July 5th arrest of activist Montgomery Toms for holding a placard at a trans parade,which involved the deployment of 11 Metropolitan Police officers.
the situation escalated tragically with the death of 23-year-old Saudi Arabian student, Mohammed Al-Qasim, who was fatally stabbed in Cambridge on November 19th. Al-Qasim,a student at anglia Ruskin University studying healthcare management,was attacked on Mill Road,a vibrant and diverse area of the city. A 22-year-old man, identified as Ashkan Razaghian, has been charged with his murder and is currently in custody. Eyewitness accounts reported a delay of over 30 minutes for an ambulance to arrive at the scene, raising concerns about emergency response times. The east of England Ambulance Service has stated they are investigating the reported delay, noting they were experiencing a period of high demand. The standard emergency response time in the UK is seven minutes for life-threatening calls.
These events are prompting questions about the safety of both residents and visitors to the UK. The incidents raise concerns about “Brand UK” – the nation’s image as a safe and welcoming destination.
Looking to triumphant crime reduction strategies, the article draws parallels to New York City in the 1990s under Mayor rudy Giuliani.The implementation of compstat, a data-driven policing strategy, and a “zero-tolerance” approach contributed to a 66% drop in murders and a 67% drop in robberies. The author suggests London needs a similar, decisive approach.
In response to al-Qasim’s death, Arab News is supporting a charity fund established by his family to provide access to clean water in his memory. Donations can be made thru the official Saudi government portal: https://ehsan.sa/donationcampaign/details/1828254. The family hopes to honor Al-Qasim’s legacy through this charitable initiative.
Evergreen Context & Additional Details:
CompStat: CompStat (Computer Statistics) is a data-driven management beliefs and strategy used by police departments to analyze crime patterns and deploy resources effectively. Zero Tolerance Policing: This approach emphasizes strict enforcement of laws, even for minor offenses, with the belief that it deters more serious crime.
Metropolitan Police Funding: The Metropolitan Police Service has faced budget cuts in recent years, which some argue have contributed to the rise in crime. Recent government funding announcements aim to address this, but the impact remains to be seen.
Anglia Ruskin University: This university has a significant international student population, and the incident has understandably caused concern among students and staff.
Mill road, Cambridge: this area is known for it’s diverse community and independent businesses. The stabbing has shaken residents and raised questions about safety in the area.
Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Arab News*.
