Modern Mysteries Page 2
I often wonder if at least some of the cases shown on BBC Watchtdog's Rogue Traders section are faked. I mean, I can't believe all those cheaters behave so ruthless in such a careless way, as if they didn't know BBC Watchdog exists...it's almost like a parody. The show is a British institution so if you're a rogue trader you have to reckon being on the radar of Watchdog after a while. You could still go on cheating but you'd have to do it in a subtle way. For example if I'm a rogue plumber I'd at least pretend repairing the toilet instead of sitting around smoking fags and watching porn on my i-phone because I'd have to suspect hidden cameras being spread across the house.
Correct.
Wrong.
My only gripe with the Beeb and their consumer progs. is I think they have got a bloody cheek really when they themselves leave a lot to be desired.
Take for example their vast archive that we, the licence payers have paid for but have to accept what they issue piecemeal on DVD when they feel inclined.
To me, that archive should be like a public library where we can all access it like you would say the British Museum.
I'll confess; when I was a lad (in the 1960's) I got in with 'a bad lot' as they say.
They used to steal lead from church and school roofs. I was the look-out.
They went 'equipped' with tin shears and sacks and I had to help carry them.
The next stage in the process was to build a fire down in the woods then place a massive kettle over it and put the lead in until it melted.
This was then poured into Christmas cake baking tins and ingots were formed.
The scrap-man would take as many as we could supply as they were untraceable.
Quote: Stephen Goodlad @ 1st June 2015, 10:58 AM BSTI'll confess; when I was a lad (in the 1960's) I got in with 'a bad lot' as they say.
...I was the look-out...
Let's pray for a merciful God then.
I am renaming you Stephen Not-Quite-So-Goodlad 
Quote: Stephen Goodlad @ 1st June 2015, 10:58 AM BSTI'll confess; when I was a lad (in the 1960's) I got in with 'a bad lot' as they say.
They used to steal lead from church and school roofs. I was the look-out.
They went 'equipped' with tin shears and sacks and I had to help carry them.
The next stage in the process was to build a fire down in the woods then place a massive kettle over it and put the lead in until it melted.
This was then poured into Christmas cake baking tins and ingots were formed.The scrap-man would take as many as we could supply as they were untraceable.
Quote: Stephen Goodlad @ 1st June 2015, 10:58 AM BSTI'll confess; when I was a lad (in the 1960's) I got in with 'a bad lot' as they say.
They used to steal lead from church and school roofs. I was the look-out.
They went 'equipped' with tin shears and sacks and I had to help carry them.
The next stage in the process was to build a fire down in the woods then place a massive kettle over it and put the lead in until it melted.
This was then poured into Christmas cake baking tins and ingots were formed.The scrap-man would take as many as we could supply as they were untraceable.
Naughty boy!
50 years ago.... I've paid in guilt and shame.
I was about 8 or 9 and the gang were all in their early teens. They were constantly 'at it' I actually marveled at their ingenuity.
They had days off school to go shoplifting.
I would be collared on my way to school and they'd say 'come on - we're having a nicking day in Bradford.
They had special Parker coats to do this. By special I mean the left hand sleeve was stuffed with newspapers and a leather glove sewn where the hand should be.
They wore the other glove on their real right hand and pulled their left arm inside the coat
Inside the coat a big pocket was sewn in to fill with booty.
Anyone watching them in the shop could see them with both their arms down by their sides but meanwhile the hidden hand was popping out through the front of the coat and filling the big pocket.
Quote: Stephen Goodlad @ 1st June 2015, 1:14 PM BST50 years ago.... I've paid in guilt and shame.
I was about 8 or 9 and the gang were all in their early teens. They were constantly 'at it' I actually marveled at their ingenuity.
They had days off school to go shoplifting.
I would be collared on my way to school and they'd say 'come on - we're having a nicking day in Bradford.
They had special Parker coats to do this. By special I mean the left hand sleeve was stuffed with newspapers and a leather glove sewn where the hand should be.
They wore the other glove on their real right hand and pulled their left arm inside the coat
Inside the coat a big pocket was sewn in to fill with booty.Anyone watching them in the shop could see them with both their arms down by their sides but meanwhile the hidden hand was popping out through the front of the coat and filling the big pocket.
I think you'd better stop, this is turning into a major crime network - film script?
Are you that kid from Goodfellas?