Flashback to the Days of Mugger Money

The violent mugging that turned fatal last week prompted the NY Times to compare people's attitude towards crime safety today versus those of two decades ago, when people would carry mugger money around. (When you Google "mugger money," the first thing that comes up is a 1989 NY Times article, "Even the Nun Have to Carry Mugger Money.") While many people mentioned how safe the city is these days, last week we did hear about a Park Slope mugging (a woman gave the muggers her bag but yelled and neighbors appeared, some chasing the muggers into the park) and one man's relatively recent mugging in not-yet-gentrified Bushwick. If anything, it seem to help if one is aware and walks with confidence.

As for Maurice Parks, the 5 train conductor who was mugged and stabbed last Thursday - before he used his own knife to defend himself, the Post reported it was unlikely he would face charges related to a bystander's death. During the melee, bystander Flonarza Byas was killed; it's still unclear why Byas was there (was he helping Parks? did he think the muggers were being attacked? did he join in the robbery?). Parks may face a summons for carrying an illegal weapon.

A third man was arrested for mugging Parks; a 22-year-old wounded by Parks and a 15-year-old have already been arrested. And Parks, a black belt in jujitsu, remains in the hospital. A jujitsu classmate of Parks, Herbert Davis, told the the NY Times that even though jujitsu is about avoiding and defusing conflict, Parks may have been compelled to use a weapon because he was outmatched: "He did not deal that hand. He ended up in the poker game of his life. And he happened to have an ace up his sleeve.”

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By Jen Chung in News on January 15, 2008 4:33 PM

Comments [rss]

jaja007

Bernie Goetz was what.... 25 years ago? Get a new hero, my friend. The guy must be elderly by now.

jaja007

Mugger money. Ha! And you guys call yourself men? No wonder a woman is running for president. You dudes lost your balls!!!!!!

I carry a knife wherever I go, and I won't hesitate to stick it i the mugger's stomach the minute he lets me know his intentions.

Too bad the bystander got killed, but my father always taught me to mind my own business, and don't get involved in sh*t that doesn't concern me.

Joe

But what happens after the newspapers are done with the story...the aftermath.

You pay more in legal fees/hassels defending yourself in court then you would save by not just giving up some money.

If you're lucky, you wont go to jail. But you'll probably lose your job/savings in the process.

Oh and If guy you stab survives, its your word against his and the contingent lawyers come knocking and you're sued, which you would also need to defend out of your pocket.

You might have balls, but you have no brains.

DaveA

I remember growing up in the South Bronx and my grandfather always telling me "Siempre tienes que tener dinero en su borsillo por los pillos, o te matan!" Translation: Always carry Pickpocket money on you or they'll kill you. Honestly, I still do, I don't care how safe they say it is or where you are if you're getting mugged you gotta have something on you for them. If you don't have a penny they'll kill you. All they want is money or jewelry and you better have something to give them other than your life. It's a shame that these ruffians have to stoop to such lows to steal when honest hard working poor like me or others have to be subjected to this shit!

Snoopy

Bernie Goetz for mayor, or senator, or govenor or president. How about at least police commissioner or DA?

Fritzdecat

Mugger Money.... Bah

The only thing they deserve is what Bernie Goetz gave them.

100% lead treatment.

JacqueMehoff

bernie goetz was nutz, he has squirrels in his home.

Death Wish was on AMC last night, a lesser version is on tonight, DWII

ed_Extinct

Bernie Goetz was doing God's work.

dustyrebel

When I was a kid, my parents taught us to keep a small amount of money in our wallet and to hide the rest somewhere else (in your sock or hidden pocket). That way you had something to give the mugger, but not loose all your money.

I just stoped doing that over the years. Partly because the city became safer, but also because I don't really use cash.

halik007

Only new york times would make a point of mentioning martial arts as a great way to defend yourself... let law abiding people have concealed carry and see how many actually get mugged. It's a whole different ball game if the perp knows you might be carrying a gun.

Jen Chung

Muscley Armed Paper Boy, thank you.

In Atlanta, a young woman was killed while hiking (possibly by a 61-year-old drifter) and now tons of women who regularly run and hike and enjoy the outdoors are apparently heading to self-defense classes. I think taking self-defense classes is a great idea, if only because it does make you more aware of your surroundings. Martial arts may not help you if you're against a gun, but it might be able to help you better assess certain situations.

halik007

Only new york times would make a point of mentioning martial arts as a great way to defend yourself... let law abiding people have concealed carry and see how many actually get mugged. It's a whole different ball game if the perp knows you might be carrying a gun.

Outter Burrougher

for the record, now the first thing that comes up is this article from gothamist

Muscley Armed Paper Boy

psst, jen..."a woman gave the muggers her BAG." Sorry but if I don't point it out someone will.

"mugger money?" fuck that. sure I got a $.22, $.357, $.45, and a $9 mil in my wallet. boo-ya!

Rocknrope

"He did not deal that hand. He ended up in the poker game of his life. And he happened to have an ace up his sleeve.”

Davis continued, "And that ace was the Ace of Spades. Because that's the Death card. And he was the dealer. Of Death."