someone has just stolen my child's toy :(

[goldenduckling]

My ds is 2.5 and crazy about bing (annoying black rabbit on cbeebies) since there is no bing toys available yet I found a pattern online and made him a cuddly toy bing. This has received a lot of attention and have happily taken peoples email addresses and linked them to the pattern.
This morning we went to the park and a woman approached me asking about my ds's bing, I offered to email her the pattern but she said she wanted to buy the one that I had made. I explained that he wasn't for sale but she kept offering me more and more money (£50 ) in the end after trying to explain I snapped a bit, said that its my son's favourite toy and its not for sale and to please leave me alone now.
She huffed off and left with her dd, less than a minute later my ds started crying "bing gone" I assumed he had dropped him off the climbing frame but couldn't find him anywhere, I walked to the other end of the park and saw this woman getting in her car with bing in her hands! I tried to run after her but she drove off, got my phone out to try and take a picture of the number plate but it was to late.
Who on earth would do that? I'm going in between being angry and trying not to cry. Ds cried the whole way home and is now looking around trying to find him
My dd is a year old and we have been in and out of hospital with her for her whole life. I made bing as a present for ds for being angel at all of dds appointments, he even helps to stop her crying during tests.
Lucky I have lots of fabric left over so I'm desperately cutting out fabric to make another one.
I'm just in shock, who on earth would take a toy off a 2year old!
I really don't think the police would be interested in a homemade toy being stolen, sorry for the pity post, I just needed to rant

Just wanted to send you some 'quick sewing' vibes OP, what a horrifying and heartwarming thread. If you do change you mind about post cards, I'd be happyvto send one from Wales xx

if she's prepared to just waltz off with a toy in broad daylight it's likely she'd waltz off with other things - handbags, shop stock etc. the op being able to positively id her might be the difference between her getting away with petty stuff and a conviction. a small piece of a bigger jigsaw iyswim

Thank you again, we've had a sewing machine malfunction so bing is only half done, I think his plane might have to be delayed. I have been messaging Ted Dewan this evening and he's so lovely and the bing team are sending my ds a flop.

I don't know who Bing is at all (& I'm in the UK) but I'm loving him & his team. Go Bing!!

[Seriously can't get over the fact that someone would steal from your child! Shocking! Hope your DD is ok too.]

A Flop! ! Lucky boy. He deserves it.

You did mention your daughter needing a lot of tests in your first post, I hope she is ok

What an amazing thread..! Such an awful, vile woman - your poor DS OP - and such a wonderful response from everyone -- and especially from bingbunnysdaddy (DGD is a HUGE fan and had a Bing birthday cake, which thrilled her to bits) so I'm thrilled to find that Bing and Flop's creator is as lovely as they are

What a Bitch.

What a lovely ending to the thread though and I hope your ds enjoys his new Bing and flop

Hurrah! for team Bing. And Boo Hiss to the evil Bing thief.
OP I live by the seaside and could sent a letter with sand and shells if you like? My dds would love to do that, to get convincing little person handwriting!

Yes, but it was't technically worth £50, was is?
Just in the wild imagination of the woman.

It feels like a waste of police time to me.

Then I'll nick your car as I think it's only technically worth tuppence.
Just in my wild imagination.

It'll only be a waste of police time investigating it.

Sorry, but your post is absolute bollocks. The scum stole a child's much loved toy and that is classed as stealing which is a crime.

Hurrah! I hope you let BingDaddy and the Bing tv team do nice things for you and your little boy :)

From the worst behaviour to some lovely behaviour... It doesn't make the awful woman's cruelty but at least shes not the only one making her presence felt.

Btw, anyone going to spill the beans on Who Is Flop?! Daddy, nanny, strange grownup friend who each toddler comes supplied with?

Oh just saw your message, damn that sewing machine! You're lovely trying to do everything to make sure your little one doesn't feel sad for a moment. Xxx

I've come over all emulsional. Hope Bing finds his way home soon. Hugs to your DS

I've nominated this thread for Classics. It got me right in the feels.

Hurrah for teambing - what a lovely gesture!

Boo to sewing machines letting the side down, hope it works quickly so Bing can come back from his "holiday".

wherethefuck - Bing is on ABC2 quite regularly, not sure if he's on at the moment (we're watching new DVDs more than ABC2 at the moment) but he's definitely over here, so you might be able to find him on ABC2 online.

And yes - of COURSE it's worth reporting to the police - the toddler was mugged, for fuck's sake! Someone who is prepared to steal from a toddler - and let their child see that it's "ok" - is the sort of person who needs to be brought up short by a visit from the police, before the child decides that they can have that person's mobile phone, or that other person's shoes, or whatever they fancy, because their mum did it so it must be ok. Jeez

I thought the same about the value she was willing to put on it. She's an adult who stole something she deemed worth at least £50. Glad the police are taking it seriously and the wonderful offers from the team!

Its disgusting behaviour - could you let your local police team know in case they have CCTV up as they may be able to take a look at her car registration...that deserves an ASBO! What a bitch!!! xxx

Folks who have recommended Tatty Ratty by Helen Cooper - are you aware that the author is married to Bing's creator Ted Dewan?

An early morning snippet for all you fact fans

OP, this thread has taken such a nice turn - I hope DS will feel a bit better soon. I knitted a Flop for my DS and he's so loved that I fear for his whole general neck area in my 3yo's firm grip!

Please, please, please report her to the police. THEFT is THEFT. And do please share full details on FB - description of woman/car/Bing & where it happened. PLEASE.

Utterly astounded for you X

Hope your ds is coping ok until the new bing is made. Also hope he accepts the new bing!

Hope Bing will soon be ready for his reunion with your little guy . How cool is it that Ted Dewan himself has heard about this incident and is sending Bingo friend to live with the soon to be Bing. This is a a great human interest story. It is nice to hear about a company that cares about it's little viewers.

Awww...happy ending. I'd love to see a pic of the new Bing too.

Also, this Bing character, is he on CBeebies? Sounds like my son would love him.

Sorry, accidently called (typed) Bing "bingo", I am not used to using a tablet yet.

My DH has just caught me watching this on youtube

If you don't know Bing, watch this...

OP, just thinking, perhaps you could be walking in your garden and suddenly 'find' (your newly completed) Bing together with Flop (who'd been delivered earlier ) and a suitcase. What an amazing surprise for everyone!

You should still go to the local paper, especially after the contact from Bing's creator. A local paper would love it.