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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Stolen buggy- tempted to Facebook shame - any advice?

231 replies

JSSB · 25/01/2017 09:50

I really need some advice as at the end of my tether. Apologies in advance for the long post. Last November I had my twin boys buggy stolen from my car when parked outside our house. Reported to Police who did not attend as "petty" crime, but they advised to check selling sites as it may appear on there which I have been doing ever since. Last Friday it popped up on a facebook selling site. I contacted police as advised and was told it was a low priority so they did not know when would attend. I therefore contacted the seller directly and arranged to view straight away. I visited the property, confirmed it was my buggy and called police immediately who said they would attend. Long story short the Police did not attend until next day after me ringing all night and surprise surprise buggy has been sold and they cannot provide details to police of who they brought it from or sold it to as their phone is broken 😒 I have been advised by Police they can take no further action. I have the sellers details and am very tempted to put on all local sites warning people not to buy anything from her. Advice please.

OP posts:
BARB060609 · 25/01/2017 11:37

It would be a bit weird if the seller had bought it from someone else in good faith if it was only stolen in November, why would she be selling it again so soon?

Belleende · 25/01/2017 11:41

Are you in Hertfordshire by any chance?

TescoCarrierBag · 25/01/2017 11:45

The fact she is selling it so cheap is suspicious.

bonfireheart · 25/01/2017 11:46

This is how people get away with it! People thinking like this. Don't be scared into submissive silence OP, stand up to them
Nothing I said was OTT, it's perfectly possible, you'd be surprised how people can quickly track people down. Personal safety is more important than anything. If someone can steal something from a car outside you're house and lie to the police, do you really think they're reasonable people who would be ok with being shamed on social media?

OhSuckItUpDucky · 25/01/2017 11:49

Go back to your LC and remind them that they are supposed to be there to help you and make it clear you want their help
email so you have a paper trail and I'd PM the seller too

Original poster
JSSB · 25/01/2017 11:50

Thank you so much everyone for your responses. I've been feeling so down about this and really need to rant.

OP posts:
LilaGrace · 25/01/2017 11:51

Not sure where you are based, but if you look on a local mums Facebook board, you might be able to get someone to lend you a double buggy for a bit while you get this resolved. I know there are lots of such boards in the area I live. Other mums are v sympathetic to this kind of thing and I'm sure would be happy to help.

Pastaagain78 · 25/01/2017 11:55

I'm not surprised you are fuming! That's dreadful! Sorry this has happened to you.

hellsbellsmelons · 25/01/2017 11:55

I'd PM the seller as well and tell her you want all your belongings back or you will shame her on facebook.
And the bloomin' well do it.
I would!

BillyButtfuck · 25/01/2017 12:00

Is there a link to the selling site with your buggy on we can see or has it been taken down now it's sold?

Original poster
JSSB · 25/01/2017 12:01

It's been taken down as I notified the site's admin. I have screenshots but am nervous to put them on here.

OP posts:
SantasLittleMonkeyButler · 25/01/2017 12:06

Two words - local paper.

Or, yes, post to the FB page. Make sure you stick to the actual known facts 100% - so no accusing the Seller of actually stealing it - but it definitely should be said.

Hopefully, the new Buyer will see your post (they're probably still on the selling page) and assist you. Personally speaking, I wouldn't want to use a stolen pram for my baby & I suspect others would feel the same. No guarantees, but must be worth a try.

Original poster
JSSB · 25/01/2017 12:09

I did think of local paper but don't fancy having to do the obligatory sad face photo Grin

OP posts:
PollytheDolly · 25/01/2017 12:10

Email a link to this thread to the police as well so they are aware of how disgustingly lax they have been to an open/shut case!

Original poster
JSSB · 25/01/2017 12:11

In the words of a police officer I spoke to yesterday it is "rather unfortunate". I said it is a bit more than unfortunate for me.

OP posts:
Scattymere · 25/01/2017 12:13

OP I feel your pain, our car was stolen last year from our drive with double buggy, car seat & other stuff inside, if I found out someone was now trying to sell it I'd be fuming... Similar situation with police, they really not bothered about the entire thing, feel very let down. Angry

SnotGoblin · 25/01/2017 12:14

I really feel for you OP. I went through something similar with the police and they agreed the property was mine and that it should be returned to me but there was faff all they could/would do about it. I pressured them and pressured them, writing detailed letters to more senior detectives etc and in the end the woman who had my property basically said to the police 'arrest me then?' which she knew they weren't going to do...

With the new information and messages she is sending you, I would press the police further into action. They propbably won't act but it will give you somewhere to channel your furstration.

AndNowItsSeven · 25/01/2017 12:16

Personally I would have just walked out her house with buggy . What would she have done - called the police?

Scattymere · 25/01/2017 12:19

Would have also walked out with it as andnow says

shovetheholly · 25/01/2017 12:19

The only way I have ever been able to get the police to do anything AT ALL is to involve the local or national media.

Lowlandgarlic · 25/01/2017 12:21

Instead of shaming them direct could you not advertise it as stolen?Do you have photos of it? Even if the only photos you have are with your children in it to blur/ blank them out.

Ask if anyone knows of any information? Has been sold on to anyone? say you dont genuine people being ripped off by being sold stolen goods after all handling stolen goods is an offence .State that is has a unique id and that it can be identified. State it has been reported to the police . Maybe offer a reward you may get more evidence that way.
They cant be sure the police are not going to act, if she has sold it on someone might come forwards.

Make it clear all leads will be followed up.

Original poster
JSSB · 25/01/2017 12:26

In hindsight I wish I had. Even if I'd paid for it I would have the buggy and it would be proven they had stolen goods.

OP posts:
bibbitybobbityyhat · 25/01/2017 12:31

No, don't put the screenshots on Mumsnet.

TheMysteriousJackelope · 25/01/2017 12:33

You can post the buggy's serial number on Facebook in a 'This is the serial number of the buggy that was stolen from my car, please let me know if you have come across it' kind of way. I would also ask if other people have experienced similar thefts. The woman might be specializing in this type of crime - theft and sale of childcare items or thefts from car boots. If there is a pattern the police will take it more seriously as solving one will take a whole bunch of others off their books.

What is the cut off for 'petty theft' because fourteen hundred pounds sounds quite significant to me.

I would keep on looking for it because it is possible the buggy is not sold at all, it is in her garage while she waits for the furore to die down when she will go ahead and sell it.

Hugedickasaurus · 25/01/2017 12:34

I think there's a pretty easy way of verifying whether or not the seller is innocent or not : Does she have twins? If not then why does she have a double buggy to sell?