By Hugh Dunnett, Crime Correspondent
Gangs of elderly residents are taking legal highs and running riot in Suffolk.
Police were called out to Debenham on Monday night after locals complained of raucous behaviour and loud music playing into the early hours.
A student living next door to the Purple Haze Care Home said: “It was 1am and we were trying to study for exams – but we couldn’t concentrate over the noise of old war songs.
“When we knocked on the door politely we were sworn at and someone threw false teeth at us.”
Another neighbour was threatened with knitting needles and told to respect their elders – or else.
Meanwhile, horrified onlookers reported one OAP downing a whole bag of legal high, washed down with a nice cuppa screaming: “We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when.”
Reports of elderly dealers flogging legal highs in bingo halls and cafes have increased by a whopping 67%.
They are legal substances said to ‘lift the spirits’, although doctors warn they are not properly regulated, have not been tested and could be harmful to health.
Locals live in fear of one particular elderly resident gang in Debenham, who go by the street names of The Blue Rinsers, or Silver Haired Aged Gang.
One 86-year-old lady, known only as Doreen, told us: “Bowls simply isn’t a fun game without a little pick-me-up.
“It only costs a little money that would only have been wasted on bingo. Now it’s us that’s wasted – and I feel like I’m 75 again.”
Another resident, Eric, 89, said: “I’ve just had my hip replaced and now I can fly.” He then jumped out of a first-floor window and is now recovering in Ipswich Hospital.
Police have been asked NOT to stick to their new policy of shooting to kill any criminal suspects to save money. And some kind-hearted locals say the elderly gangs are just having some deserved fun and should be left in peace.
Certainly police in Debenham are playing the issue with a softly-softly attitude. Police Officer Dibble also said a charity had been set up to help cope with pensioners having legal high issues.
He said: “If you or a relative has been affected by elderly legal high taking, contact the charity Oh Danny Boy at the day care centre in the High Street.”
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Yet another brilliant article
which makes me chuckle!
Sir
In response to your informative article, might I recount an event which happened at the golf club on Friday afternoon.
We were enjoying a refresher at the 19th hole after a decent afternoon’s hacking when there was this almighty commotion in the entrance hall.
Before we could gather ourselves, Marjorie Otley-Woolpit came rampaging into the members lounge wearing what could only be described as ‘The glory of Woodbridge’ and then proceeded to give us all a lusty rendition of ‘The Sheikh of Araby’ including all the movements. One could imagine the commotion, especially as poor old Bunty had to stand and watch his wife’s performance.
The Police arrived quickly enough and bundled her off, but not before we could hear muffled shouts of ‘Ride me sideways’ and ‘Beat me, beat me, make me feel cheap’ as she was led away.
The thing is that the members lounge is strictly men-only and always has been. These magic tablets will only encourage further similar outbreaks in incivility.
People can belt out these ditties stark naked in Snape Maltings for all I care, but it really is coming to something when they infiltrate the members lounge. This sort of thing must be put an end to and pronto.
Yours, etc.
Maj C G Spade (Retd.)
Dear Major
Poor old Bunty. Now the whole golf club knows his wife is the oldest swinger in town.
Regards,
The Editor
very funny, wish I new about the rampage would have joined them with my Gang….all over 80… for a bit of fun and frolics with those young gals. .