Communique from the UK:
Hand held phones relieved of owners
On the streets of London they say;
Pinched from the hands of those strollers
Who pass oblivious of the day.
Pavements are cleared; it’s time to play
As zombies are released all cured.
Though police don’t see it that way -
A crackdown – overtime secured;
A social service sent away.
-
Author:
Doggerel Dave (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: October 10th, 2025 20:26
- Comment from author about the poem: News has reached the Antipodes of a spate of phone thefts on the streets of London. Should catch on in Sydney soon, where the young who complain of being lonely and isolated (news item) will be liberated, look around and interact.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 28
- Users favorite of this poem: Tristan Robert Lange
Offline)
Comments8
It is not a spate it is an epidemic, especially in cities like longing and it's been going on for a few years. They trawl on scooters and mountain bikes and just snatch them as they pass and there off. Then you have the professionals who go out in teams around pubs, restaurants, bars, clubs clearing any phone visible. All shipped abroad to places like China and Africa, but you won't see it in the tourist information sheets!!, hope you well
I'm well. But honestly, people put all manner of private information on their phones, valuable information. I wonder they don't take more care.
My perspective is slightly different, as I do see some users as a bit of a menace on the street, and feel that there is a socdial isolation factor relevant too.
Thanks for your early hit here, Tobani.
Your welcome
Yes it is happening Dave but maybe it will mean that people will talk to each other face to face once more.
Andy
My point precisely, Andy. Thanks👍
How's that - Spring? there!?
Hot.................................................................................
Dave, you’ve done it again...wit, rhythm, and that sly glint of truth. A public service poem if ever there was one…liberating the “zombies” one stanza at a time. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
Thanks Tristan. Haven't got much else in my box of tricks other than a shout at something or other....
How many times have you seen someone on a phone just walk onto the road, oblivious to their surroundings.
They deserve to be relieved of them. Didn't realise they were going to China, mind you.
The amount of data people have on their phones, shocking.
Perfectly sums up the issues I see in this phenomenon/movement. And the police? Not enough overtime in the War on Drugs? Let's get in there!🤣
My humble homage to a satarical bomb
Thanks for your call. I don't own a mobile phone and have no intention of acquiring one. Accordingly the news of this phenomenon induced considerable merriment.....
It's been like that here (not only in London) for a few years mate .. My son had a narrow escape recently when three youths targeted him on those silly e-bike scooter things apparently circling him for quite some time before they found out the hard way he had been British champion TKD for three consecutive years back in the day and is now pretty damned good at MMA .. You make a very good valid and current point sir .. Neville
Thanks Neville. I do empathise in some ways...But by now surely with all the newsworthy knowledge, the amount of data kept on those phones, folks would wish to keep them safely out of sight on the streets.....and don't get me started on e-bikes...or perhaps...
go to any tourist spot , and unfortunately, you will be relieved not just of your mobile, but other personal items, for sure, if you are not careful and alert.
a telling tale of today, for sure - thanks for sharing
Sounds terrifying.... haven't lost anything yet maybe that's because I was always alert and now my travelling days are over....I'm safe!
sorry for late response - season of festivals and weddings here, so a bit tied up...anyways , this year our travel plans were disrupted too as my husband had Guillaine barre syndrome since march, so have started making short trips only now, and will try to be alert when out..
pls dont think your traveling days are done - make short rejuvenating trips - they will definitely benefit..take care..
Sad to hear of your husband's condition. Your position is very much the same as that of Anna, with whom I have a long term (something like 25 years) relationship. Short trips only now as I have a propensity so fall over occasionally or catch something (flu?) as a result of my vintage.
You take care too.
gm..that\'s sad to know, but thankfully Shabbir is on the road to recovery though progress was slow - so i wish you the same recovery we are seeing, because miracles can and do happen; and I am aware that even in your vintage years, even if your flesh is weak, the sprit is still as strong as ever.. So wishing you both good health, which is indeed our wealth in this period of our life. Take care..stay happy
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