Who can forget the great stories of the US PS3 launch? Drive-by shootings, stalking robberies, and hospitalizations by the dozen are just part of the insanity. Will that happen when the UK gets its console months later, though? The police are certainly not optimistic.

"We do not support these midnight launches, that is the bottom line. There are inherent problems we can't deal with easily," said a spokesperson for the Marylebone police department. The police are advising anyone who wants to attend a midnight launch event not to carry cash, go with a friend, and for goodness sake, don't go waving the console down alleyways after you get one at 1:00 in the morning.

Sony, Virgin Megastore, and the police are reportedly all in talks to ensure a safe launch event. Unlike in the US, UK people are probably unlikely to begin lining up more than a week in advance.

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By Eric Raby