奇速英语

大雪球引起的纷争

A police force has warned people could be arrested for throwing snowballs at strangers after they received hundreds of telephone complaints. Staffordshire Police have said throwing snow could be treated as “anti-social behavior”. Five more incidents were reported by motorists within just two hours of snow falling in the West Midlands this week. No arrests have been made.

Inspector Paul Johnson said: “No-one wants to prevent youngsters having a good time enjoying the snowy weather but there is a point where fun stops and danger begins. Pelting people with snowballs can be counted as anti-social behavior. Some snowballs have the potential to cause injury to people or damage to property, especially if they contain stones. When snowballs are thrown at cars, there is the potential for drivers to suddenly lose control of their vehicles. We urge parents to advise their children about the dangers of throwing snowballs at vehicles and the potential for a snowball to cause injury if it hits someone directly. People should enjoy the snow, but do it responsibly.”

But it met with a mixed response from locals. Irene Murray said: “It is just part of life, throwing snowballs, isn’t it? I think it’s a bit rich to threaten kids with arrest when we have thieves and other serious crimes which need more police officers to spend their time on. My grandson, Chris Evans, and I enjoy it so much.”

Tom Vaughan added: “I think police should just ignore the calls when people ring 999 to complain about being hit with a snowball. If you are hit with a snow - just throw one back, surely? There’s no need to make a big deal about it is there.”

But pensioner Dennis Loftus said: “There can be real trouble when someone throws a lump of ice at your car or house window. That is serious and it will make me feel more safe if I know I can call the police.”