Spotted this thread and saw something worthy of wider discussion...
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/11...cable-box.html
Now then the term "Grass" is one that ultimately was created by criminals and scum to protect their own interests. Its a form of intimidation.
Sometimes you will see graffiti to the effect that someone (name) is a grass,etc etc.
It has become such a part of the British way of life that ordinary people who should have nothing to fear,have it in their psyche that to report crime is grassing and therefore not quite cricket. In some cases they live in fear and tolerate situations often not because of the actual situation but more because they fear being branded a grass.
It is no wonder that we live in a society that is largely governed by self interest,selfishness,greed and alienation.
It isnt a problem in some other countries. I have witnessed situations in other countries where people happily sing like canaries to the police or other authorities and will actually point people out and say yes,thats the man who did x,y,z.
It is only in good old blighty that we cower behind our net curtains and be thankfull that whilst someone else is suffering at the hands of crime and scum,thankfully it isnt me.
No wonder the Police are almost neutered.