Police at neighbours....

[Namechangex10000]

Early yesterday morning I saw several plain clothes officers (identifiable by their stab vests) creep up quietly to a neighbours house, they had a big duffel bag, they were let inside and the bag left outside, eventually the bag was brought in and the officers eventually came outside and were bagging things up into evidence bags (it looked like laptops/computer equipment etc etc)

It’s a street full of families with children etc mostly except this house. 2 men, one who permanently resides and one who is a lodger, I’m friendly with them both, no issues.

I’m sure you can imagine, rightly or wrongly, that the street is rife with speculation and gossip and the main cause of concern has been caused by the removal of the equipment and the conclusion that “obviously one of them is a paedophile”

I am so acutely aware of the devastation that rumours such as these can caused even if proved to be unfounded and I am personally reserving judgement on the situation

I don’t know if there is anything that I could/should be doing though? The thought of what potentially could be has obviously crossed my mind, what would you do? Ignore it as though it never happened? I just don’t know!

[Notapheasantplucker]

What exactly do you need to do?

[ClamDango]

the police have seized the computers, there is nothing to do, no one knows what has happened unless the police issue a statement.

[ClaudiaWankleman]

I don't think you need to do anything.

There lots of crimes where a computer might be seized as evidence, too. I'd have thought online fraud would be more likely.

[vodkaredbullgirl]

Do nothing, its in the police's hands.

[BlackAmericanoNoSugar]

Unless they've been babysitting for you or otherwise in contact with your DC out of your sight then just carry on as normal. It's just as likely to be some sort of fraud or other crime as something child related.

[Ginger1982]

It could be downloading or something else entirely. I think all you can do is, if you're discussing it with neighbours, say that none of you know what it's about and it's unfair and potentially very damaging to speculate.

[iklboo]

Lots of crimes result in computers being seized - identity theft, fraud, bitcoin fraud, illegal gambling etc. Don't automatically jump to child abuse & paedophilia. Leave it to the police and don't add to vigilante gossip.

[Namechangex10000]

I think I made it quite clear in my post that I am reserving judgement and that I don’t believe it beneficial to gossip or make presumptions, I am FULLY aware that there are many possibilities

I guess after listening to everyone else’s input (I wasn’t the only one to see, it was me who initiated conversations, I simply have the “best view” and have therefore been approached!!!

I just guess I’m worried about the long run, I don’t suppose anyone would be particularly fond of living opposite someone is the crimes were children related etc, do I want to spend my life wondering? Not really. That’s what I mean. Is there anything that can be done in that regard.

[wowfudge]

If you have concerns about vigilantism then ring 101, unless it's an emergency, and ask for a member of the neighbourhood policing team to call you or you can email them.

[ChazsBrilliantAttitude]

Maybe the laptops are stolen goods. If it is images of CSA I expect the case will end up in the local press.

[ProfessorSlocombe]

It's generally standard procedure to seize electronic goods - especially ones that can be used for communications - for evidence of additional perpetrators or to follow a chain further down the line.

(It's also a great way for police to dish out a punishment without the inconvenience of a court. It can take months for them to return equipment even if no charges are bought).

[Orchidflower1]

I understand your worries op but you could always tell the neighbours and your friends that you live next door to people smugglers and they were responsible for the 100+ people stopped in the channel today.

Maybe they were Russian spies.

Maybe they have been laundering money.

I’m sure all of those warrant a dawn raid and subsequent rise in house prices.

[LordOftheRingz]

Op did you report people going on extra dog walks in lockdown?

[1forAll74]

Something observed like this, will obviously mean that neighbours will chat/gossip/ speculate about all things. But you can't do anything, unless ever approached by the police for any information that they might ever need if it's a serious issue.

It would probably make the local news at a later date, if it was something very serious.

[TeaSoakedDisasterMagnet]

If you’re aware of the devastation rumours cause, then stop gossiping. If you’re approached say you know nothing, and walk away. Stop trying to cause drama.

There are plenty of reasons computer equipment could be taken away. If your neighbours weren’t also taken away then you have nothing to be concerned about.

[Namechangex10000]

@LordOftheRingz don’t really understand why you’re talking to me like I’m some sort of prick for having minor concerns...hardly the same as reporting people for taking extra dog walks and hardly the sign of being a nosey fucker neighbour with nothing better to do, I would imagine, most people would be curious about something like this. Must be nice up there on your high horse with zero curiosity 🙄

[Namechangex10000]

I didn’t say I’d gossiped about anything, I said I had been approached and others have gossiped. I haven’t said a word other than that there could be plenty of reasons for it to the hysterical neighbours wanting to make Sarah’s law requests. Jesus Christ.

[Orchidflower1]

Honestly OP if you’re that concerned then you can contact the local police who will probably tell you absolutely nothing.

If it’s something they want information on depending upon the alleged crime they will contact you. There are literally dozens of reasons for taking computer equipment.

Tell your neighbours that sadly statistically speaking child abuse happens behind closed doors or with extended family and friends rather than strangers.

[baubled]

OP I would be exactly the same, of course it's normal to wonder what's going on! I wouldn't like to live next door to someone who was stealing identities let alone a suspected peadophile! And no I haven't reported anyone for taking extra dog walks, I've not approached people who don't wear masks and I'm not reporting my neighbours for having their family round before any other idiotic posters start.

I would be massively surprised if anyone wouldn't at least be curious if officers turned up at a neighbours house for any reason!

[ArriettyJones]

This happened next door to us at our previous house. Police raid, computers, consoles, DVDs etc bagged up and brought out. We had a shared drive and had to dodge the police to get in and out. So many vehicles.

I understand your shock - it is extremely strange when you think you live on a quiet street and then something like this happens. However, there’s nothing for you to do it yourself except be extra vigilant with your DC if he’s bailed. Innocent until proven guilty and all that.

Eventually, if he’s found guilty, you will hear about it.

[WanderingMilly]

The police could have been there for many reasons, you are right to reserve judgement.

The only personal experience I've known like this was for a family known to us, the husband was accused of taking money from a company he did the accounts for, although he denied it all. The police seized all computers, laptops and so on and the wife/family were very upset. They needed support, not gossip.

These things take time. In the above case, it was two years before all evidence was gathered, when it went to court it was found to be true. So you may find it's a long time before you know anything.

There's not a lot you can do. But if neighbours start jumping to conclusions in conversations with you, perhaps warn them that there could be any number of reasons....

[TeaSoakedDisasterMagnet]

@Namechangex10000

I think I made it quite clear in my post that I am reserving judgement and that I don’t believe it beneficial to gossip or make presumptions, I am FULLY aware that there are many possibilities

I guess after listening to everyone else’s input (I wasn’t the only one to see, it was me who initiated conversations, I simply have the “best view” and have therefore been approached!!!

I just guess I’m worried about the long run, I don’t suppose anyone would be particularly fond of living opposite someone is the crimes were children related etc, do I want to spend my life wondering? Not really. That’s what I mean. Is there anything that can be done in that regard.

You say here you initiated conversations?

[Namechangex10000]

I have most certainly warned the neighbours that there could be any number of reasons.

I would like to clarify that they didn’t leave with anybody that lives there, just equipment, the man who resides permanently is still there, I’ve nor seen the lodger, although that is not unusual! I only asked if there was anything I could/should be doing! Jeez. I am reserving judgement but I’m also not naive to the possibilities

[Namechangex10000]

@TeaSoakedDisasterMagnet I did assume from the rest of my post that it was clear I meant to write “it WASNT me who initiated conversations.....” unfortunately mn do not have an edit post function and people often don’t read all posts to see any corrections so I didn’t bother!

[peacockbutterfly]

The police were at our neighbours for 2 days last year removing laptops and boxes of paperwork. The street was agog, rumours were rife and people’s front gardens had never looked better as everyone was out weeding, mowing and sweeping so that they could keep an eye on developments. The neighbour returned home shortly afterwards and it transpired that he was questioned (but not charged) about something to do with importing goods. After 20+ years of living here, their house is up for sale and I can’t help but think that the 2 things are connected. Terrible, presuming he is innocent.