Policy Wonkitis #1

In the great tradition of arrogant, populist governments everywhere (regardless of your political stripe), I will occasionally present an unworkable, unrealistic government initiative. Today, it is crime reduction, specifically street muggings.

Just as muggers, post-crime, are able to spend the money in your purse/wallet, henceforth they will have to pay your debts, once they are in possession of your credit/debit cards, car keys (if not owned outright), house keys (mortgage) or mobile phone (monthly bill).

Of course, just as better fraud prevention doesn't just reduce crime, but exports it to a place with less security (e.g. chip & pin means credit card fraud will move to other continents, e.g. Africa, which ironically, can ill afford the crime or preventative measures), it remains to be seen whether members of the public will now pursue anyone looking vaguely like a mugger, trying to press or plant their debts about their person.