Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

In not wanting my son to go to school tomorrow?

58 replies

CFAW · 09/05/2011 18:33

Today we received a letter from school, it read..

9 May 2011

Dear Parents & Carers

As you may be aware from press reports this week, police have made an arrest following incidents in which children were approached outside various schools in the watford area.

We will remind the children about "stranger danger" in school, but please make sure that you also speak to your children about strangers. If you are concerned about anyone watching suspiciously near schools or playgrounds, please call the police.

I am actually really panicking, this guy has attempted to take 7 children now. He was arrested on Friday released on bail, and attempted another snatch yesterday.

The victims have been boys and girls, all different ages. He sounds desperate.

I want my son to stay home. What do you all think?

OP posts:
herbietea · 09/05/2011 19:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
CFAW · 09/05/2011 19:07

I take it that is what happened, wasn't saying he snatched her and she escaped or anything dramatic like that.

I know Sleeping, its just if you met my Xander you would understand my concern, he is in a world of his own. poor baby.

I lost a child a 6 years ago, and that pain remains forever, makes you not want to take risks with them. Even basically nonexistent risks.

OP posts:
Original poster
CFAW · 09/05/2011 19:10

Herbietea, i am currently sitting on my fat bum, talking to you lot. Not starting a vigilante groups and inciting them to hunt this man down.

I am calm ta, just wanted to see how others would react to this if it were them is all.

OP posts:
LIZS · 09/05/2011 19:14

" i didn't know about it last week! "

And no harm came to him , so why should it now you do ?!

Original poster
CFAW · 09/05/2011 19:18

Not saying it will LIZS its completely unlikely, and like i said i am not going to do what i want to and hide him away forever.

I don't, for one i feel we have been given enough information, i an annoyed that the police let him go, for him to just attempt it again. He is probably back in custody as we speak.But how would anybody know?

OP posts:
Original poster
CFAW · 09/05/2011 19:19

Don't know what happened to my ability to for sentences in my last post oops!

OP posts:
nzshar · 09/05/2011 19:21

Walk your child to school (or make sure an adult does) and the same on the way home . You are being silly if you think anything will actually happen during school hours the schools in this area are all aware of what is going on and are being extra cautious. BTW I am in Watford too.

Original poster
CFAW · 09/05/2011 19:23

I do nzshar,I Still don't trust people to do their jobs properly.

OP posts:
southeastastra · 09/05/2011 19:24

schools don't do much to help allieviate parents fears with letters like that do they? i think it would have been helpful for the police to actually speak to parents if this sort of thing happens.

Original poster
CFAW · 09/05/2011 19:27

I agree southeastastra, A letter from the police, even if it said the same thing would have been more appropriate.

OP posts:
ForeverNamechanging · 09/05/2011 19:28

I do nzshar,I Still don't trust people to do their jobs properly.

If you believe all the staff are that incompetent why does your son go to that school?

pooka · 09/05/2011 19:30

Police talking to parents at every school in Watford area? Wouldn't it be better for them to pass info on via school - which they have.

Complete overreaction about potential abductions from within school. Reception kids always supervised. Unlikely that an abductor capable of getting into school, taking child away under noses of teachers and staff. Particularly if advice re stranger danger from letter is followed.

pooka · 09/05/2011 19:31

By better I mean a better use of resources.

GypsyMoth · 09/05/2011 19:32

police will have let him go bbecause the COURTS dont give them powers to keep him on what information they had got!!!!

not the polices fault....it wont be their fault if he eventually abducts a child either......

Original poster
CFAW · 09/05/2011 19:32

I don't believe the staff are incompetent for god sake!

I feel uneasy about not being in control myself. That's the way i am, always have been. I am talking about my own fears, not "real" fears.

OP posts:
megapixels · 09/05/2011 19:34

I am in the area too and we had a very vague notice a week or two ago. I don't listen to playground gossipchat so didn't know the details and tbh I thought the parents were prone to exaggerate a bit.

I drop off my DD inside the school but just at the drop-off point instead of parking and escorting her inside (she is in Year 4!), I think I'm going to start waiting to see that she's safely inside the school now Blush.

Original poster
CFAW · 09/05/2011 19:35

Tillytulip, he is bailed pending court/ further investigation.

The only person, whose fault it will be is the mans, i just will never get my head around people like that.

OP posts:
Original poster
CFAW · 09/05/2011 19:38

megapixels i too don't listen to gossip, i first heard about it last night and thought it was gossip.
When we got the letter today, a very well informed lady i know told me the rest! I was shocked to say the least.

OP posts:
Birdsgottafly · 09/05/2011 19:41

Not to frighten you but he isn't the only person out there capable of this. As others have said, if security is lacking in the school start a campaign to change this. The school has a responsibility to adequately safeguard their pupils. The court could give a extension upto 72 hours. He will now be being watched.

280169 · 09/05/2011 19:42

I can feel how anxious you are and am sorry you have lost a child,of course you want to protect yourhild,why not lt him go and ask if he can stay in at play time if you are so anxious or maybe just say it is stressing you out and ask them to ecxplain how they are going to ensure childrens safety eg extra adults on playground duty etc.

I know some people think its unresonable but if its a real issue for you then you need to make sure you know how school are dealing with it.

you are being very protective but I know I have been the same over the years.

try not to worry and keep it in prspective,I know horrible things do happen but they are thankfully rare and police will be keeping a close eye out as will staff

he will be confused if he dosnt go and will miss his friends i am sure plus you cant keep him off forever

i am sure there will be other parents who feel the same

280169 · 09/05/2011 19:43

sorry for typos darn netbook keys are so small

Original poster
CFAW · 09/05/2011 19:44

The security would be great, if it was used correctly. 99% of the time it is.

OP posts:
megapixels · 09/05/2011 19:46

For a period of a few weeks there were two coppers stationed in the school at pick-up time. They aren't there now. Apparently the children were given a talk at assembly too. But the parents were given very vague information (obviously to avoid panic) - things like "You would have been aware of certain incidences in the playground but everything is under control" (of course I paraphrase :) ) sort of thing.

megapixels · 09/05/2011 19:47

Are you in the North Watford area CFAW?

Original poster
CFAW · 09/05/2011 19:48

280169, thanks. I wouldn't ask for him to be kept in, i know there is no way anyone could get him. I am just thinking of every possible scenario.

Our school would be too difficult for him to attempt anything because of the small road its on, and the sheer amount of parents around.

Just wanted to post about it, get some feedback.

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread