cyclic gal & Co2Capt,
You are both missing the point. The questions are simple ones, they are:
1. Why set it up outside the base?
2. Why NOT set it up outside your local Pickey centre?
The answers are even simpler.......................
1. 'cos the Forces are easy, non retaliatory, soft targets
2. 'cos the likes of pickeys ARE!
Co2Capt, "As far as I know the aim was not to specifically target Service personnel" Well Sir, maybe you can explain just why the location was chosen then, if not to target the boys and girls from the base? Is there no other 'suitable' sites in Wiltshire other than outside the base?
Helringer and Dessert_flyer hit the nail on the head. They know that if they nick a serviceman or woman, a) they will go to court and b) they will pay their fine. For the police its a result and a tick in the stats box. On the other hand......
'Take on Pickeys Sir? oooh No, we can't do that you know Sir, why, we'd be shovelling the old smelly stuff up that hill, don't you know' Damned police, they make me sick. Shame on them.
TSM
ps. I bet they all still come onto the base to use the mess for a cheap breakfast though, don't they??