Marked for a mug?

This morning, I was in the kitchen busy preparing breakfast when I heard a loud familiar voice shouting ‘OI’.

Wondering what was all the commotion about I peeked out and enquired whether DH was alright. He replied that there was a ‘snatch thief’ incident just outside our house. Apparently, a single rider on a motorbike had marked a potential victim and threatened her with a knife. She was robbed of her mobile phone and got away but didn't manage to take her handbag because of DH's shout. Fortunately, the girl was not hurt by this incident.

I really hate all these petty crimes and thefts (especially when the spineless pray on the old, weak, defenseless, poor, young or handicap); it makes one feel so vulnerable, violated and insecure that we are forced to literally become prisoners of our own home! (Even then I am still not sure it is safe.) In less fortunate circumstances, people are harmed or seriously injured. This is no way to live life right? Even though there is a police station just a stone throw away highly doubt their patrol of the area is effective. Another white elephant ya? Sigh *shake heads*. Its no wonder why we seem a little paranoid when we go overseas and gawk in amazement when our friends leave their gate and doors so wide and invitingly open! ha ha

DH cautioned us over breakfast that the robber had turned around to see DH’s face and perhaps the house. Probably not satisfied (em-kum yun, Cantonese) that his heist was interrupted and didn’t manage to get the girls handbag, thus may come back to cause us trouble!!! I’ve heard of stories of robbers that double back to their victims as if the first time wasn’t traumatising enough: (i) first incident – robber double back to slap and abuse victim because the ‘gold’ jewellery taken were fake, (ii) second incident – robbers physically abused a jogger because all he didn’t carry with him any money. This is only a tip of the iceberg as I am sure that a lot more go unreported too.

Aiyoh, GREAT…thanks a lot DH (not)!! But DH defended what should he have done then, remain quiet, look the other way and mind his own business?? Should he not have helped the lady?

I think some of our reactions at a particular moment or point of time is probably more instinct or responsive than anything. I doubt in such dire situation, there would be time to think or contemplate.

So I would like to ask:

Q1 – What would you have done?

Q2 – How differently would you have responded or acted if the consequences of your actions may lead to harm to yourself or your family?