…is illegal. Full stop.

I know it is illegal because it says so in the 1994 Criminal Justice Act (A copy of which I just happen to have to hand. You can not say that I do not research my posts).

17.—(1) It shall be an offence for any person who, with a view to gain for himself or another or with intent to cause loss to another, makes any unwarranted demand with menaces.

(2) For the purposes of this section—

( a ) a demand with menaces shall be unwarranted unless the person making it does so in the belief—

(i) that he has reasonable grounds for making the demand, and
(ii) that the use of the menaces is a proper means of reinforcing the demand;
( b ) the nature of the act or omission demanded shall be immaterial and it shall also be immaterial whether or not the menaces relate to action to be taken by the person making the demand.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—

( a ) on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both,
( b ) on conviction on indictment to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years or to both.

So demanding money with menaces can earn you a £1000 fine and potentially 14 years in prison. You would think that this would act as a deterrent to the wannabe demanderers. Alas no, as it appears that there a many people who laugh in the face of this law, and mock those of us that point out the illegal nature of their activities.

“You do realise what you’re doing is illegal and could see you sent to prison?” I pointed out helpfully to the criminal-in-the-making on my doorstep, “Making threats of that nature will only make the Judge look negatively upon you. It’s not too late to change your ways you know. You don’t look like a bad person, I’m sure there could be salvation around the corner for you, if you could just turn away from this life of petty crime. Do you think you could do that?”

“I’m only seven.” replied the little girl.

But that’s not the point though is it? Are we surprised that youth crime is so high when children of this tender age are actively encouraged by their parents to disguise themselves and then go to the homes of people that they don’t know and ask for treats and cash under the thinly concealed threat of violent retribution? It is only a short step from here to stealing old peoples handbags and wearing hoodies.

We must stand up to these potential criminals otherwise we are not doing our bit for the betterment of society. They might cry a bit at your doorstep, but trust me, you’re helping them in the long-run. If we do nothing, it will only be a matter of time before they move on from demanding money with menaces to actively celebrating attempted terrorism attacks like blowing up the Houses of Parliament.

They must be stopped.

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