New York Times is bombarded with responses from sarcastic Londoners after asking people to share stories of petty crime
Sarcastic Londoners have bombarded the New York Times with sarcastic messages after it appealed for people to share their experiences of petty crime in the capital.
A tweet which was linked to a short article on its website by a London-based reporter asked people to share their stories about petty crimes and the police response.
“Two months ago my apartment was burgled, and I have had my own experience with (petty crime)," the journalist said.
“If you live in London and have had issues with the police’s response to petty crime, I would like to hear about your experience.”
Have you experienced a petty crime in London? Click to tell us your story.
(Your submission may be selected for publication.) https://t.co/MRvmXdlYC8— The New York Times (@nytimes) December 13, 2018
Londoners sent a deluge of sarcastic responses about what they thought should be treated as a petty crime in the capital including overpriced pints and unwanted eye contact on the Tube.
Naturally, sky-high beer prices featured prominently.
I paid £18 for a cocktail that came in a tiny glass teapot.
— Simon Darby (@FlashDarbs) December 13, 2018
£6 for a pint. Daylight robbery!
— Gareth Owen (@GarethAOwen1) December 13, 2018
As did the general cost of living.
I just bought a Christmas tree from a garden centre in Kentish Town and it cost £70.. Daylight robbery
— LDNCalling (@LDNCalling) December 13, 2018
Have you been to the cinema lately. The price you pay for the sweets is daylight blooming robbery.
— Mark Shaw (@markshaw) December 13, 2018
Unwanted eye contact in public places is a punishable offence, Londoners claimed.
Sitting on the London Underground, and a passenger met my eyes for more than a second. Then he *smiled*. #londonhasfallen
— Stephen McGann (@StephenMcGann) December 13, 2018
Someone accidentally brushed their hand against mine on the Central Line. I was unable to get a good look at the perpetrator as we both returned to awkwardly looking at our own feet. Please help.
— Steve Rose (@steveplrose) December 13, 2018
I was visiting London for the day, unsure where i was, someone made unsolicited eye contact with me, asked me if i was ok and gave me helpful directions to my destination. It was very disconcerting, I never intend to return to that place. Awful experience.
— Emma Braithwaite (@EJ_Braithwaite) December 13, 2018
Others expressed their belief that apology etiquette should be treated as "petty crime".
Someone stood on my toe while on the tube and to my horror, they managed to say sorry before I could apologise to them. The humiliation will live with me to the end of my days.
— Nicholas 🇬🇧🇪🇺 #FBPE (@njstone9) December 13, 2018
A man brushed against me in the underground and said ‘whoops’ instead of ‘sorry, excuse me’ and I’m still in therapy from the trauma
— Georgina Adlam (@GeorginaAdlam) December 13, 2018
Even London’s institutions weighed in.
One night two audience members tried to sit in the same seat and neither apologised. It was mayhem, we had to cancel the show.
— Soho Theatre (@sohotheatre) December 13, 2018
Lastly, Londoners said they were particularly miffed by lapses in social etiquette.
Recently I saw someone I hadn’t seen for a while and asked him ‘How are you?’ AND HE ACTUALLY TOLD ME HOW HE WAS, instead of the only acceptable response ‘Fine, how are you?’
I felt dizzy and confused.— Dr Adam Rutherford (@AdamRutherford) December 13, 2018
As I was rushing up the escalator a man stood in my way on the left side of the thing. I huffed under my breath but he didn't move. Absolute disgrace.
— Kosta Prodanovic (@KostaProdanovic) December 13, 2018
While visiting an acquaintance who lives in Shepherd's Bush, she offered to make me a cup of tea. I said yes and she put the milk in first.
— Alexis Hall (@quicunquevult) December 13, 2018