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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to phone the police (101) about pants down in the park?

93 replies

Astr0naut · 03/05/2012 17:23

So, took the dcs to our local park today to play.

Walked through the gate to see three lads (17/18 ) on the swings. One of them was standing up with his pants around his ankles. I immediately averted my gaze and his mates all laughed.

They stopped laughing when I asked them whether they attended x school or Y college. Apparently they attend Y college. They shuffled off and I heard one of them muttering about how "we're gonna get banned from the park now."

I phoned the college to complain and the receptionist said she'd let departments know. Not sure what will happen then. In school we'd have a big assembly to bollock (sorry) the lads. Wondered about the police, but then, I teach big daft lads, so I know the sort of things they do.

However, it is a kids' play park.

Dh is furious and reckons it's indecent exposure, so even though nothing will happen, I should report it. He's also disgusted that I feel the need to ask the Sages of Mumsnet.

OP posts:
CrispyCod · 03/05/2012 17:28

17/18 years old. They are men imo opinion and you should report this to the police. They need a harsh warning. What if a young girl had been walking through and seen this or an elderly person for that matter. Not everyone is strong enough to cope with this situation.

WorraLiberty · 03/05/2012 17:30

Do you mean pants as in trousers or underpants?

gordyslovesheep · 03/05/2012 17:31

If you mean he was exposing himself in a playground er YES it's a no brainer!

IWantMyHatBack · 03/05/2012 17:33

Yes, report him.

Original poster
Astr0naut · 03/05/2012 17:33

Both.

Crispy, that's what DH says. I think I feel the waters are muddied somewhat because they weren't doing it at me; I appear to have walked into something, GOd knows what. Having a piss? Showing his mates something on his willy?

OP posts:
AdelaideAussie · 03/05/2012 17:35

Please report this to the police

Debsbear · 03/05/2012 17:35

assuming that you weren't going to the playground at 1 in the morning then yes I'd phone the police. This is indecent exposure. They are old enough not only to know better but to also anticipate that young children would be around

Catsmamma · 03/05/2012 17:37

i can't believe they told you which college they went to...idiots!

I'd probably think I'd done enough phoning the college tbh.

Olympia2012 · 03/05/2012 17:38

They told you which college yet made no attempt at an explanation?? Apology? Just name of college and no more?

Original poster
Astr0naut · 03/05/2012 17:38

OK. I will consider myself told and phone. I know there's nothing they can do about the park, but it might lend more weight to my complaint to the college if the police follow it up.

THank you, ladies. The weight of MN has made me feel like I won't be over-reacting.

OP posts:
Original poster
Astr0naut · 03/05/2012 17:39

It was 11am. THink they told me the name of the college because I had my teacher voice. Grin THink it was involuntary.

OP posts:
fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 03/05/2012 17:41

I possibly wouldn't as he was clearly just messing around and thought noone was there, but could end up on Sex Offender Register and in paper etc, if he is 18..which is harsh indeed.

But I will probably get flamed loads for saying that.

QuintessentialShadows · 03/05/2012 17:42

Yes. Police.

Olympia2012 · 03/05/2012 17:48

fanjo I'm kinda with you on this one!

IWantMyHatBack · 03/05/2012 17:50

Argh, that's a really good point Fanjo.

Hmm..

scurryfunge · 03/05/2012 17:53

It would only be dealt with as exposure if he deliberately showed you his genitals with the intention of causing you alarm or distress. The police would probably deal with it as an anti social behaviour incident.

Anypointinseeingdoc · 03/05/2012 17:53

Agree with Fanjo

FlouncyMcFlouncer · 03/05/2012 17:54

I'm with Fanjo. If he thought no-one was there except his mates and had his back 'to the public', so to speak, he was just being a pillock, and reporting him could actually have really far-reaching consequences that will affect his future - things like CRB checks etc. He was obviously embarrassed and ashamed that you 'caught' him and I would leave it at that.

cocolepew · 03/05/2012 17:55

Agree with Fanjo.

2shoes · 03/05/2012 17:58

I am with Fanjo on this one

deleting · 03/05/2012 17:59

If he had exposed himself to you, then I would say definitely report it. If you just happened to be passing and he quickly covered himself up, then maybe a call to the college is enough, as long as they follow it up. He shouldn't be doing that in a children's playground, so he shouldn't get away with it completely, but not sure you should involve the police.

usualsuspect · 03/05/2012 17:59

I'm with Fanjo too

Original poster
Astr0naut · 03/05/2012 17:59

Hmm. Not sure again now. It's an open park - there're hedges round it, but it's on a hill, so you can sort of see in when you walk down the hill.

He was also facing the gate - hence the fact it was the first thing I saw when I walked in. I'm not out to get him personally, it's more the inappropriate behaviour in a children's play area.

OP posts:
IAmBooyhoo · 03/05/2012 18:00

i wouldn't be so sure they told you the name of 'their' college. perhaps the name of one they didn't attend so as not to get into trouble. BTW can i ask why you didn't ask for this man's name if he was so willing to tell you where he attended school?

either way, i would phone the police. it's indecent exposure. it doesn't matter that he didn't do it 'to' you. what matters that he was in a public place showing his genitals.

IAmBooyhoo · 03/05/2012 18:02

the fact that his mates all laughed suggests they found your reaction (to look away) funny. i'm not so sure he was too concerned about someone else seeing him.