IABU to think I shouldn't be told off by the police by daring to be a woman out alone after dark?

[MsScarlettInTheLibrary]

I was walking through a deserted cut-through at around 11pm, on my way home. I'd been shopping and to the gym, as evidenced by the bags I carried.

I happened across a pair of policemen on bikes, who saw fit to brake and tell me I 'should be careful walking by myself at this time of night'.

IABU to feel angry and offended by this?

They could always catch the criminals instead of warning us that they may or may not pounce.

'Catch the criminals' - yep. Just like those pesky kids in Scooby Doo. Two cops trying to sound community minded - that's all. Lots of people on here with not much to worry about - why look for reasons to be outraged? And if you have to, find something a bit more convincing than this rubbish.

Well how about they don't patrol dangerous areas and then you can complain about the lack of police help when you get mugged?

I thought that people wanted police on the beat? If they are surely they are allowed to converse without women thinking they are being singled out? (they are not)

Oh of course because their comment of;

"be careful" was so useful.

Jeez. They're just clumsy blokes trying to be friendly. I say 'be careful' to the children all the time. They take sod all notice. But it's not some patronising intent to offend. I doubt the police were doing that either. Very uptight women around - not their fault.

Women get the blame again. It's wonderful

"Feminists" on this thread think they ought to be able to live in world where policemen keep criminals (more men, of course) at bay so they can live carefree lives...

blame for what?take that big ole cross off your back. talk about seek offence where there was none

this isnt a blame thing.its a finding offence and whipping up a how very dare they froth about an inoccous comment

in no way was op prevented or inhibited in her business.they didn't prevent her going on her way. they did have temerity to make low level social contact appropriate to their role.

Of course you should be able to walk down the street whenever you like.

Of course you should not be put at risk by doing so.

In an ideal world there would be no need for police officers to be patrolling at this time, there would be no crime and there would be freedom and equality for all.

But you can't, you are and it isn't.

Would you have been equally offended if one of the officers were female?

Personally I'd feel quite reassurred to see them. Don't know where you get angry and offended from, but the world is quite mad and so is Mumsnet.

tell you what....

you do whatever you like, any time, you walk where ever you want, at what ever time you like, but then dont ring us when you do get, robbed, or assaulted. hows that for a deal?

Bonsoir, are you going to start the debate that the majority of criminals AREN'T men? Please go ahead. I'm interested to see where you'll get your stats from.

Vicar, that's perfectly fine. Can't say I'd want to wait an hour for the police to show up if I had been robbed/attacked/raped-only for it to get to court and the man be found not guilty.

Well I have had a police officer say to 'keep a look out' when I walked into a police station at 2am asking for directions. Yeah I guess I could say "for what?" but I understood the sentiment behind it.

Many people say 'be careful' it doesn't mean you have to be doing something careless it is often just used as a sign they care.

what unrelated digression.how did you get to that from a "be careful"

hi goblin

i got two last night for a burglary in progress

run off my bloody feet - not enough cars - (all knackered), no time to eat, whole shift was stretched to breaking point. how many of the baying hoards on here actually know what the police do? really?
last night we got a call from a woman who wanted us to take her ex partners dog back to him. pressing police business that obviously - forget catching burglars or picking bits of people up after drunken brawls or road traffic collisions...
the police are no longer an emergency service.
i spent hours last night on paperwork. late off shift. so dont moan when we are actually managing to get out and patrol - thats supposed to be part of the job. in future i shall make doubly sure i dont dare to speak to anyone in case they take offence.

nice to see the public appreciate us.

whilst majority of crime perpetrated by men,majority of men are not criminals. not even the most strident poster could argue otherwise

yes vicar please restrict social contact with public.perfunctory only.less someone mistake convivial conversation for sinister undertones

I don't have sympathy for your Vic if that's what you're trying to stir up. You probably love your job and I'm happily paying my taxes in order for you to do so. But like any public service, it's never going to appreciated or the best it can be.

This isn't a good thread to be on if you are feeling stressed vic, there's little common ground and huge polarisation.
Although if you had said 'Be careful' in the given situation, it might have been acceptable.
Or you could have been called a Miserable Blue Running Dog of the Patriarchy.
Or something.
Safer not to talk to the general public, or smile at them. Think Robocop and it might just work.

duly noted scottishmummy....

even suspects like me. im friendly. i had no idea how this could be misconstrued...trust MN to put me right though! i shall refrain from making any such small talk in future...

how dare you you agent of social control and hegemony.see is that kind of demeaning smiley and careful that makes you police so dominant and aggressive

i am so offended and angry you smiley bastsrd

I told her not to smile, but would she listen to an old mate?
Wilful, that's our vic.