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Original poster

Harassed by kids in street

140 replies

HebburnPokemon · 02/10/2024 17:13

On my daily walk in a woodland area just now I was harassed by a group of kids on their bikes. They were swearing, saying if I didn’t answer them they would smash my face in, and coming towards me on their bikes and swerving aggressively. I’ve never seen anything like it. They looked around 12.

I'm 5ft0 and autistic. I was alone. I felt scared.

What can I (realistically and legally) do if this happens again? Aside from reporting to police who won't care.

OP posts:
Doggymummar · 02/10/2024 19:07

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You saw two 12 year olds were convicted of murder just last week I assume? I would just steer clear I'm sorry to say

Rass · 02/10/2024 19:01

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Original poster
HebburnPokemon · 02/10/2024 18:56

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I don’t really want to befriend some 12 year olds tbh.

OP posts:
Original poster
HebburnPokemon · 02/10/2024 18:56

JohnofWessex · 02/10/2024 18:55

The emergency services use What 3 Words so get that on your phone to give the exact location when you dial 999

Useful on any occasion

What 3 words?

OP posts:
Rass · 02/10/2024 18:55

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

JohnofWessex · 02/10/2024 18:55

The emergency services use What 3 Words so get that on your phone to give the exact location when you dial 999

Useful on any occasion

Original poster
HebburnPokemon · 02/10/2024 18:55

Ruffpuff · 02/10/2024 18:37

You did the right thing in reporting this. You might not be the only one being targeted. If there are several reports then the police will definitely have to plan a strategy to prevent the anti-social behaviour.

Be careful of these kids. If it happens again, keep your head down just like you did before- don’t react. Report it again.

I’m sorry you experienced this, it must’ve been terrifying but you handled it well.

Thanks, I just kept walking as best as I could (trying to avoid their bikes swerving at me). I didn’t say anything and avoided eye contact. I tried to be as boring as possible but secretly I was shaken up.

OP posts:
Original poster
HebburnPokemon · 02/10/2024 18:52

StMarieforme · 02/10/2024 18:26

Also "in the street" and "woodland area" are very different? 🤷🏻‍♀️

It’s a small town with a huge wooded park if that makes sense?

OP posts:
Original poster
HebburnPokemon · 02/10/2024 18:51

It’s fucking depressing that as women we can’t just walk, minding our own business.

Thats how I feel. As a kid I would not have dreamed of doing this to a random adult.

I like the spray idea but when I spoke to DH about it, he said it could escalate things.

OP posts:
Ruffpuff · 02/10/2024 18:37

You did the right thing in reporting this. You might not be the only one being targeted. If there are several reports then the police will definitely have to plan a strategy to prevent the anti-social behaviour.

Be careful of these kids. If it happens again, keep your head down just like you did before- don’t react. Report it again.

I’m sorry you experienced this, it must’ve been terrifying but you handled it well.

YourMommaWasASnowblower · 02/10/2024 18:31

HebburnPokemon · 02/10/2024 17:48

Could I record a bunch of kids on my phone, or will it look dodgy?

Show quote history

I would be careful they don’t grab your phone and smash it if they are ASBO kids.
You can get pens that you can attach to yourself that don’t even look like a camera that work pretty well. We got one on Amazon a while ago.

Devilsmommy · 02/10/2024 18:27

InactionIsAWeaponOfMassDestruction · 02/10/2024 18:20

It’s fucking depressing that as women we can’t just walk, minding our own business. I understand why it’s being suggested, but why the fuck should the OP have to change her route from a woodland area, or consider having to walk with someone. (Yeah I know why, I’m just an angry woman sick of this shit after 5 decades of it!!)

I was thinking exactly the same. Why the fuck should OP have to go out of her way to change something she enjoys just to pander to a group of little fuckers who've got no respect for anyone or anything. OP I'd be calling the police as it's happening and record them on your phone if possible. Those kinds of young lads need teaching

StMarieforme · 02/10/2024 18:26

Also "in the street" and "woodland area" are very different? 🤷🏻‍♀️

StMarieforme · 02/10/2024 18:25

Don't use your phone- they'll snatch it from you OP.

Body worn camera would be best. Start at around £50 on Amazon.

Tell them firmly to leave you alone. "Ok lads that's enough now- I'm just out for a walk" followed by "I have asked you to stop". So that it's clear that you have asked. Try not to be too far away from more populated area/ your car. (Yes that makes me mad that you have to).

I'm a runner and always having to consider this stuff 🤬🤬🤬

InactionIsAWeaponOfMassDestruction · 02/10/2024 18:20

It’s fucking depressing that as women we can’t just walk, minding our own business. I understand why it’s being suggested, but why the fuck should the OP have to change her route from a woodland area, or consider having to walk with someone. (Yeah I know why, I’m just an angry woman sick of this shit after 5 decades of it!!)

ifIwerenotanandroid · 02/10/2024 18:14

Can you walk with someone else?

13Ghosts · 02/10/2024 18:11

BMW6 · 02/10/2024 17:57

Don't use your phone - they will simply take it from you.

Wear a body bodycam and carry a rape alarm or pepper spray.

Pepper spray is illegal. Farb gel is not. Farb gel can be sprayed in the face.

Lemonadeand · 02/10/2024 18:05

Record and tell them you’re live-streaming on Facebook.

“Im in 100 Acre Woods. I’m being threatened by a group of males. Can someone watching this livestream please call the police?” Repeat.

T4phage · 02/10/2024 18:01

Walk somewhere more populated or at times you know they won't be out, like early morning.

Definitely record them on a device and use a spray. Even young kids are quite violent now and you're only short, so you shouldn't worry about defending yourself. Would you feel better carrying a hiking pole?

BMW6 · 02/10/2024 17:57

Don't use your phone - they will simply take it from you.

Wear a body bodycam and carry a rape alarm or pepper spray.

Original poster
HebburnPokemon · 02/10/2024 17:56

13Ghosts · 02/10/2024 17:55

If they are threatening to assault you and got close enough to do so, of course. Why wouldn't you? It's harmless but it stains them.

You are the vulnerable one.

Show quote history

Yes they definitely came close enough

OP posts:
13Ghosts · 02/10/2024 17:55

HebburnPokemon · 02/10/2024 17:52

use it on kids?

Show quote history

If they are threatening to assault you and got close enough to do so, of course. Why wouldn't you? It's harmless but it stains them.

You are the vulnerable one.

Allthehorsesintheworld · 02/10/2024 17:54

HebburnPokemon · 02/10/2024 17:48

Could I record a bunch of kids on my phone, or will it look dodgy?

Show quote history

Exactly what you should do. Make sure they can’t hit the phone out if your hand. Sound assertive. This is going to the police who’ll circulate around local schools.
Now piss off before I get really angry.
The last bit is optional.
The farb gel is a brilliant idea. They choose to harass you they get the consequences.

Original poster
HebburnPokemon · 02/10/2024 17:52

13Ghosts · 02/10/2024 17:46

Body cam and carry Farb Gel. If they get too close - spray them.

use it on kids?

OP posts:
Seas164 · 02/10/2024 17:52

HebburnPokemon · 02/10/2024 17:48

Could I record a bunch of kids on my phone, or will it look dodgy?

Show quote history

I think if they're shouting at you and physically intimidating you then it will look reasonable.

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