London families are baffled by police advice to play classical music to deter drug gangs.
London: Residents in northwest London are scratching their heads after police suggested they play classical music to keep drug dealers at bay. It’s been a rough time with a rise in drug-related crimes and robberies.
In St John’s Wood, car windows are getting smashed, and people are dealing drugs right out in the open. One poor soul even found someone using crack cocaine on their doorstep!
One resident shared a scary story about being threatened by a dealer who warned him he’d be “shot and chopped up” for confronting them. Can you believe that?
Another local, a businessman near the famous Abbey Road studio, tried to help by sending photos of the crime to the Met Police. But instead of action, he got an email suggesting he film any incidents and call 999.
And get this: the email also recommended contacting the housing association to play classical music, claiming it could help deter crime. They even said not to blast it too loud to avoid complaints!
The businessman was understandably frustrated, saying, “Are the police on another planet? It’s crazy that they thought this would solve the problem.”
He mentioned that 22 residents had already reported issues, with nearly 20 cars broken into recently. It’s a real mess.
Interestingly, some studies show that playing classical music in public spaces can reduce crime. Companies like Northern Rail have used it successfully at stations, and even McDonald’s has tried it to tackle anti-social behavior.
But the Met Police later clarified that while they meant well, the advice in that email doesn’t actually reflect their official policy. So, who knows what’s next?
