Targets

There are some people in life, of a certain personality or physicality or demeanor, who are more likely to be attacked or mugged than the average person. As such, people with this condition will often be the target of multiple attacks.

Crime researchers in New York City once conducted an experiment to prove the phenomenon. They gathered a number of mugging victims and had them mingle with a crowd on a busy sidewalk. Also involved in the controlled experiment were some reformed mugging perpetrators watching the crowd. Without fail the muggers easily spotted and identified the previous victims as likely targets for mugging.

Last night I might have picked up such a target, a middle aged guy looking like he’d never hailed a cab before. He telegraphed a certain vulnerability, either by his shabby attire suggesting a street person, or someone with an utter lack of confidence by the manner in which he hailed me.

Indeed, on stopping I sensed some doubt in his appearance, or hesitance in stepping off the kerb, to briefly consider driving away. Whether he was drunk or broke I wasn’t sure but it was enough to prepare me for anything.

After gingerly climbing into the front seat and requesting a nearby destination, he nonchalantly announced, "Sorry about the short fare but my boyfriend said I had to catch a taxi..." This was delivered with such disarming familiarity that it invited a probing response.

"Your boyfriend..?" I queried. "Yeah, I’m gay," he replied. "How do you know ?" "What ?" "How do you know you’re gay..?" I repeated. He laughed, "Well, after three gay marriages I think I’d have a pretty good idea," and he held up a hand to the light showing a gold band on his finger."Maybe it’s just something you’re going through," I suggested in a good-natured tone. "One day you might meet a nice girl and get married."

This elicited a surprising response. "I’ve already done that," he revealed, explaining how early in life he’d once married a girl, for three weeks. "What happened ?" I asked. "She said we weren’t compatible, that was all. Then my first gay partner thought it was fun to beat up on me. The next partner almost killed me. The cops said he would have killed me for sure, if I hadn't managed to get out of his strangle-hold."

Soon enough we arrived in Waterloo, one of Sydney’s toughest neighbourhoods where he carelessly requested, "Anywhere on the next block will do." This was a notorious hundred metre block with constant rock attacks on busses and taxis plus numerous street muggings.

Half-way along the block was a group of young guys, local homies hanging under a street light and killing time. Surprisingly, or not, my passenger had me stop almost opposite them. It was late at night with few cars around and our presence immediately attracted their attention, with two of them menacingly stepping onto the roadway towards us.

I hurriedly shoved the change at him fearing if we lingered they would decide to commandeer the cab. Locking the doors I threw a U-turn and cleared out, observing in the rear-view mirror as my passenger wandered off down the street. He seemed oblivious to the risky situation, but then, that may have been the story of his life.

Comments

[south coast cabbie]

there was a street light working,those little punks in elizabeth st thow rocks at the st lights to break them so its even darker and easier to mug someone your pretty brave even stopping in that area let alone taking a fare there.

[Stella]

hey Adrian,

As a taxi driver you would know most of Sydney pretty well right? Do you mind telling me how Merrylands is in terms of safety and demographics?
I'm moving to NSW from Perth soon and have just bought a house in Merrylands. I would love to know more about Sydney (i.e. the places to go/ to avoid etc), but it seems your blog is the only source that would shed some 'true' light on Sydney areas!

Any help from any one would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Dataceptionist]

I would say Merrylands is ok Stella, but not "stellar" in terms of safety, which I may be shot down for. (terrible pun)
I worked in Merrylands for a while, and I was always careful about myself, but I didn't feel "unsafe" at the time. I probably wouldn't have walked around at night, and on Thursday nights we would get a security escort to our cars if they were parked far away.

I've sent you an email too.

[Juffy]

*shoots Dataceptionist on principle*

[Anthony]

Maybe he likes getting beat up?

[steve at the pub]

I've seen that sort of thing before. Once upon a time they would have been eaten by lions, taken by a croc, or speared by the adjacent tribe.

Some people simply have no instinct for self preservation.

[pat]

Nice choice Stella. You'll soon be at home in the territory of the mighty Parramatta Eels. Bring your West Coast Eagles gear cause their colours are the same - the glorious Blue and Gold.

I'd reckon north of the M4 would be better (closer to Parramatta Stadium, not to mention the beautiful and sometimes dangerous Parramatta city, but then, where isn't?) but your a stones throw from Guildford where the legendary Brett Kenny played juniors.

You're near Woodville road heading south west and getting closer to Bulldog territory. That's bad news, but if you face north you'll always have your face to the sun.

Better yet, head directly west to the mountains. From Penrith up the mountains it is the best area in all Sydney.

Congratulations and good luck.

[adrian]

Stella, just to add to other comments...Merrylands is a working/middle class suburb and fairly safe. Daytime is fine and at night common sense is required. This applies anywhere, really, as no woman should walk around at night, away from shops and busy areas, etc. Otherwise Merrylands is not a known 'hotspot' for trouble. These you will find out from locals, newspapers, cops, etc. Best wishes for your big move. Sydney's great, you'll love it.

[Stella]

Thanks everyone for your helpful responses! I feel much more at ease with my choice of suburb now...and I can't wait to move to Sydney!! Hope to see you all there!