Do protection rackets exist in the UK?

ClarkeKent

Just been watching the news about the problem of !!!!! in Thailand for the traders.

Wondering whether this or protection rackets exist in the UK in 2015?

You often see it portrayed in films on London, especially back in the 60s. But modern day? If so, at what point does it exist, inner large cities only. Focused on takeaways, clubs, bars?

InsideInsurance

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/yobs-smash-up-chinese-restaurants-4037233

Well in 2013 there was the above case

There were also lots of claims of security firms basically being a more literal protection racket in that if you dont take their CCTV, guards etc "who knows what could happen"

Mistral001

Why, are you thinking of a startup? I believe the banks are a bit reluctant to give loans for such business ventures and grants for them are few and far between.

ClarkeKent

No!

Just wondering whether small biz owners have experienced anything, as stated that useful example from InsideInsurance is in central Manchester. One of those things never spoken about and certainly not mentioned during the business plan phase or in startup books!

BJV

I have heard that it happens a lot in the Taxi private hire lines as well as night clubs but have never seen anything myself.

paddyrg

Certain industries - anything allied to nightlife, nightclubs, mucky bookshops, illicit services, etc will attract a certain class of interest.

I've had promoter acquaintances in Brum discover their flyposting always got torn down/overpasted as there was only one 'official' *cough* flyposting 'company' in town, and that you need to pay them to do it... It may also be more subtle persuasion - pubs that have door staff on a Friday night don't always have a completely open choice about which 'firm' to engage. Or a kebab emporium might find it prudent to buy from a 'preferred supplier'. As such it might be less blatant, but add up to the same thing.

motorguy

Used to be a big problem here in northern ireland with the paramilitaries doing it.

I would say it still is, though maybe not to such a great extent

SailorSam

BJV wrote: »

I have heard that it happens a lot in the Taxi private hire lines

I spent 25yrs driving a Black Cab and i never heard anything about them paying for protection when talking to any of the lads on the Privates.

ClarkeKent

Mad that it goes on still, especially in the UK. Then again, suppose its not that different to drug dealers and their patches. Come to think of it, I remember a while ago hearing about our local windows cleaners patches with a "keep off" mentality. Although "patches" being different from "protection"

Always wondered where the line stops with the rackets - towns under 15k, rural? Probably the anonymity of the city hides their activities.

But would certainly make you think again if opening any type of takeaway or similar "night" business in a town more than 15k population

purpoise

It is still prolific in N.I. All the paramilitaries are at it.