‘Do not expect the police to protect you’

Sir
Wednesday’s violent protests that rampaged through Dundee brought home some salient points that could prove to be a watershed moment as far as local government and local policing go.
Sadly, the points made by the protesters – the allegations against corruption in Endumeni Municipality, unfair appointments and the general malaise of the administration – are all excellent points and are supported by all right-thinking ratepayers and residents; however, these points also went up in smoke as the protest became a free for all. Preventing people from going to work by threatening them with mob mentality, jumping on cars, blocking roads, damaging the town’s infrastructure, does nothing for the cause and makes the protesters even worse than the people they are complaining about.
That said, the day also proved that residents are by themselves when it comes to protecting themselves, their families and property.
The police are undertrained, under-equipped and/or simply do not have the will, or are prevented from taking command of a situation of anarchy.
Sending 15 riot policemen to Dundee was simply an act of desperation.
Residents should organise themselves into Self-Defence Units along the lines of the neighbourhood watch which has been successfully set up in Glencoe.
A system could be rigged up to link up residents of an area which will dispatch volunteers to assist in such circumstances.
The volunteers could be lightly armed – mace, pepper spray, batons – and trained in martial arts.
Dogs could also be used. With the police just watching people burn tyres, block public roads and openly break the law, means we are by ourselves. That is the reality.
And I understand that seven of the eight people eventually arrested were let out by the police when the crowd demonstrated at the police station. People, this is anarchy.
Organise yourselves now.
Brian