[Ed] – We’ve had 3 stories submitted about the Canberra Guardian Angels. Damien Heffernan first wrote to RiotACT back in March 2009 asking for volunteers.
When I first read that the Guardian Angels had set up a chapter in Canberra, I dismissed the story as a beat-up: one sole whiner who likes the thought of wearing berets does not comprise a vigilante force.
But the New York-based organisation seems to be genuinely behind this push; it lists Canberra as its only Australian chapter.
Canberra? The only city in Australia in need of the Guardian Angels? I agree with Simon Corbell on this one: we don’t need it. The only time I’ve ever felt unsafe here is when I’m on the road near some Cro-Magnon who is about to explode because the traffic is only travelling 10km/h above the limit. I’ve never felt threatened in Civic, even in the wee hours.
But judging by talkback yesterday and the letters to the editor in the paper today, many disagree with me. So would the red berets be of any use in Canberra? Or would they just attract/cause trouble?
Other submissions below
From PBO
VIGILANTES! Woo Hoo
I was having a read of our great local rag when i came upon an article that made me giggle. We are getting “Guardian Angels”! Now it struck me as a bit over the top, being that Charnwood and Kippax are not at all like the movie “the Warriors” (70’s urban apocalypse gang flick).
I believe that the presence of these folk will only lead to games of keepings off involving red berets as opposed to making the streets safer.
Has anyone heard anymore than what has been reported?
From Moneypenny2612
The Goon Squad comes to town
Recently the Canberra Times carried an interesting story touting “vigilantism” with the Guardian Angels establishing a presence in the ACT.
Who are the Guardian Angels? Apparently they walked the mean streets of New York City and fought crime where police feared to tread. In the ACT, it looks like they’ve been putting it appearances at neighbourhood association meetings (if a recent Cook chapter meeting is any indication). Have they been promoting their wears in other neigbourhoods too?
But seriously. Is Canberra really comparable to NYC (c. 1980s) when it comes to violent crime and vulnerable law abiding citizens?
Do we really need to form gangs to take the law into our own hands? Discuss.
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