Following up to (David Horne, _the_ chancellor
(*)) wrote:

Is he worried about "violent" theft or simply people who use tools (in this
case, a sharp knife) to slice open the bottom of a backpack and take its
contents? There's likely no violence towards the person with the backpack,
and the temporary shock & disbelief at what's happening probably keeps the
thief from having to subdue his prey.

I was using 'violent' very widely here. This kind of theft is rare.

Which kind? I've seen bag snatches two or three times and have friends
who have suffered it.
--
Mike
(remove clothing to email)