This was a fun article to read about Batman fighting crime in London (I have gifted it so it can be read): https://wapo.st/4jnVzuY
The article is also a good reminder to avoid and walk on when approached to play games, sign a petition, get a bracelet, or engage in any other unsolicited activity when visiting.
Posted by
Surrey, UK
200 posts
And not just in London, or in most other countries.
Posted by
PA
2946 posts
I would love to read this but the gifting did not work.
Posted by
Cleveland
442 posts
It is an interesting fact that Batman and Rick Steves have never been seen together. Also, they appear to be of identical height and I hear that Batman like Rick Steves never checks his luggage but rather always takes it as a carryon.
Hmm.
Posted by
London
1522 posts
Here's how it was covered in yesterday's Guardian -
Of course, only the person who was held on remand showed up for court. It's a tough nut to crack for the police and courts.
Westminster Bridge has been a sh*tshow for years; it's the main downside to the ever popular Premier Inn County Hall in terms of a location to stay in my opinion. At least The Met are making a show (pantomime?) of doing something about it, rather than tolerating people being ripped off as they have done for a long time. I think the strategy has been "Let's watch them on CCTV. At least they're all in the same place".
Posted by
Land of La
9513 posts
Bemused as Batman and Superman hang out in front of Graumans Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Guess Batman was bored.
Posted by
London
1522 posts
I have the feeling that cities all over Europe have the same problem; it's the same people who are playing these games that run the pickpocketing enterprises which are the scourge of all the big tourist hotspots. The police find it difficult to catch them unawares, and when they do catch them, their crimes aren't of a magnitude serious enough to throw them in jail before they're up in front of a judge. They then skip bail and are able to disappear. The folks that are pros in this game are most likely travelling in summer all across Europe on a multitude of identities and with several passports. Really difficult to control.
I think Maryam is correct. Don't linger on Westminster Bridge. Have someone keep lookout if you're distracted when you stop for a photo of Big Ben. Most of the people who appear to be willing participants are stooges, the crowds around these games are mainly folks looking for an opportunity to surreptitiously dip your bag or pockets. Don't buy caramelised nuts from the street sellers, no matter how good they smell. That's a business run by the same folk, with a "Mr Big Nuts", if you'll excuse the expression, renting the carts to others.