Stolen buggy- tempted to Facebook shame - any advice?

[JSSB]

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.

OMG name and shame her on every local selling site you can find. Also contact admin as they should have details of the advert. You need to find the person that bought it off her. Make sure you include the full details about the pram including most of the serial number and photos if you have them - the person who bought it may hopefully be honest and return it that way. But name and shame all the way. There are some total pond life scum out there. My DD had her phone stolen, Police did nothing and DD got her phone back by bombarding every selling site in the local area - someone had been offered the phone, and went back to get it from the thief which was such good luck. Even when the finder reported it and where they got it from, Police weren't remotely interested.

Should have also added if your pram was distinctive, plastering it all on FB sites over the local area should also make it noticeable. Someone's not going to push a pram round that's on everyone's FB feed................and you stand a much better chance of getting it back. Get everyone you know to share a post and it's amazing how people will help.

They will break it up for parts then - sell the seat liners etc separately

I still wouldn't name and shame tbh. You could post a stolen notice on fb, including serial number offering a small reward for recovery in case anyone sees it in use or is offered it for sale. See what info comes back. I thought the feedback you had from gumtree (?) would be of interest to Trading Standards, especially in case there have been other complaints.

No wonder people commit this kind of crime when there is absolutely no chance of them getting caught. Makes my blood boil. Sorry OP, can only imagine how furious and upset you must be feeling. But I would keep pursuing it using methods other posters have suggested. Good luck and hope you get it back, or get a replacement.

What about if we all find find the advert and all report it? When she puts it back on fb or gumtree they can't ignore hundreds of us!

OP my heart goes out to you. It's so frustrating.
Why are we paying taxes to pay for police when they won't help.
New York was cleaned up crime wise because police chief and political masters took a very tough stance on petty crime. It made a difference.

Update - I definitely won't be making and shaming but it has felt good to rant on here. Thank you. I would still appreciate any advice.

From the advert I'm assuming your are Southend. Tweet this guy.

Why not share a FB post/tweet all about you and your children and the impact the theft has had on you?? Make it more of an awareness story for other mums with their prams and just make a plea that if someone has bought it, can they go to the Police? There's a chance that the buyer has no idea it has been stolen. Share on all local boards and selling sites, friends, colleagues and school mums etc. Or put posters up in all your local baby shops/drs/chemists/supermarkets etc. Also report to Bugaboo with your crime reference in case it ever goes for repair.

Did you register with bugaboo for the extended warranty? Because warranties can't be transferred. If something goes wrong, Bugaboo won't fix it. They've probably scratched the serial code off by now.

Let's face it, if someone has bought themselves a donkey (twin) with all the accessories for £380 they aren't going to question where it came from or chance losing their money.

Personally, I'd make an official complaint against the police person who handled this. (Badly) why aren't they doing a follow up. Facebook isn't broken is it?

😡😡😡 I'm so angry for you. I'm so angry the police are so useless.
Definitely name and shame and share as much as possible.

Ooooh Scrumptious great idea, someone Tweet him the thread!

Is it still up on gumtree? Could you message her that way and then go with a whole bunch of people and take it back? I'm so cross on your behalf op

It no longer on gumtree or anywhere else I can find at moment

I'm really angry for you too. I read this thread earlier and it's been playing on my mind all day

Thank you. Just found out some new information which has made me even more angry and which unfortunately would not be appropriate to share on here. Just put it this way any doubts as to innocence have gone. If/when I ever get a resolution I promise to update.

Why are you sparing the feelings of this person who has the buggy? They have a stolen item and if they are truly innocent they will be assisting in recovering it or trying to get it back to you.

Tell them straight they are thieves.

I'd wait a while then get a friend to post on all the sites:
'I'm desperate for a second hand double buggy, does anyone have one to sell?' And see if they bite, then go and take it back.

Thieves are sickening.
I had a brand new kids bike £180 stolen a week after it was bought. I still think of it now. This shit happens. Just buy a cheap buggy and move on. maclaren side by side would be good.

Well, I would shame .

Do you think they targeted your car because they knew you had the buggy in there OP?

This is unbelievable, the police have totally failed you. I am so angry on your behalf. Lots of good advice on here, I sincerely hope you get a good outcome.

Have to say I'd be fuming, upset and just beyond it all.

I really hope you get it back.

Wow! What a nightmare OP! I would be furious if I was you, do not let this drop!