Wouldn’t You Think That The Police Would Have Better Things to Do With Their Time & Our Money?

Question

Police have started an investigation after gardening experts on BBC Radio Scotland’s popular long running radio phone-in gardening programme, ‘The Beechgrove Potting Shed’ spent more than three minutes giving advice to a caller who rang into the programme (which invites listeners to "come in from the garden, take off your wellies and relax for an hour every Sunday") to ask about growing cannabis. 

They discussed the best way to water and feed the plants and even suggested the most suitable compost for the ‘Northern Lights’ strain that he said he intended growing. The call ended with the Frieda Morrison, the host of the show, telling the caller, "OK, much success then. Keep going."

You may be thinking that this was irresponsible behaviour by the BBC whatever next, building bongs on Blue Peter? Something worthy of interest from ‘The Boys in Blue’ then you may feel. Until, that is, you find out that Jim McColl and his team had misheard the caller, thinking that he was in fact growing cabbages. 

This misunderstanding was further deepened by the fact that there is a flowering variety of cabbage that is often grown as a ‘pot plant’ and shares the name of ‘Northern Lights’ and it was this charming ornamental Brassica that the panel thought they were giving growing tips for. 

The funniest, however, is yet to come – This on-air gaff is now being investigated by not one but two Scottish police forces. Strathclyde Police because the show is broadcasted from Glasgow and Tayside as the caller is thought to be from Perth. 

Given the high probability that the call was a prank and that the advice given was applicable to cabbages, not skunk weed what is the point of wasting valuable police resources in such a trivial pursuit, particularly at a time when budgets are being slashed and, we are told, resources are stretched to breaking? You couldn’t make it up!

Sweet Pea · Accepted Answer

This has to be a classic and I am still laughing. What a waste of public money.

Anonymous · Answer

Ever since I started answering questions on this site, I have stated that we live in a country controlled not by the parliament but by the police. I have further stated that most of the police have the IQ of a cabbage, both statements have been confirmed by this story.

Very amusing I see to date that there are at least three cops that can read. Lets be serious for a moment. If I am wrong in my assessment of the polices attitude to this event, why did not a senior officer tell whom ever it was in the job that is trying to make a big deal out of this, to stop wasting time and money on this ridicules situation and go out and nab some crooks. He or She did not issue such an order, so I rest my case and my opinion of them still stands.

? · Answer

would it not have been a potentially greater crime had the potting shed been motorised did not display current road tax and been clocked at 35 in a 30 limit. Then we would all have to take it seriously. The police are not so green as cabbage looking

Anonymous · Answer

Legally, and if he can prove it, he could sue you for his half of the tax return. You had a verbal agreement. Now, as to going back to court, it is to make sure after that peace of crud of a friend is going to marry him, let him try and take you back. He will have to hire a lawyer, to make sure he gets what you plan to give him anyway. Funny thing is he might lose. If you plan to make good on your agreement, send him a letter to that affect, return receipt. Keep the receipt and keep a copy of the letter sent. If he then drags you into court, it should protect you from having to pay any costs in the court.

Anonymous · Answer

Consider the fact that two agencies are investigating the alleged growth information.  They may be receiving political pressure to clear up the rumors so people will stop complaining.

? · Answer

I don't know how things work over there, but if this had happened in the U.S., my guess would be that some nutty politicians are putting pressure on the police to do this.  Maybe there's not any happier about this investigation than you are.

vambo number six · Answer

That's a great story.

Anonymous · Answer

LMFAO.

don't those guys have serial killers and child-rapists over there to chase or something?

Anonymous · Answer

we spend millions asking whether or not baseball players used steroids...

Wouldn’t You Think That The Police Would Have Better Things to Do With Their Time & Our Money?

9 Answers