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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:
sopsmum · 30/01/2017 20:13

I suspect they just don't care though. If he already has a criminal record for this sort of theft they just won't care about their reputation. It won't matter where you plaster it. Sounds like you may have been followed when it was stolen in first place. X

Original poster
JSSB · 31/01/2017 06:47

Apparently having over 20 previous arrests for theft and handling stolen goods isn't enough reason to investigate when you're found to be selling stolen goods as we have been advised by officer. At this point we know we won't see the buggy again but just want to be a thorn in her side. It makes meal mad as a friend of mine had her car broken into yesterday and in the same street someone had the tools stolen from their van. Surprise surprise no police visit. No wonder people think they can just get away with these things!

OP posts:
KathArtic · 31/01/2017 07:17

To be fair OP, even if you got it back would you really want to put your children in it? Just think how it has probably been thrown about and not care for.

someone had the tools stolen from their van Our plumber neighbour never leaves any tools in his van overnight, after having his van broken into and everything taken. He was unable to work the next day due to having to re-buy all his equipment.

teaandakitkat · 31/01/2017 08:14

How upsetting for you. I'd love to see an update saying you've got it back.

How are you managing to get around?

Original poster
JSSB · 31/01/2017 08:57

I agree I wouldn't want to use it but could at least sell it to get back some of the money we have had to pay out for a new buggy - and they wouldn't be benefitting from it. Unfortunately some people's jobs have equipment so large that to take it in and out of a van each evening would be very difficult. What I find worrying is there's almost an attitude of well it's your own fault for leaving in your vehicle rather than trying to catch the culprits. I agree we should all be careful about leaving things in the car but they are still the victim. My friend didn't have anything taken from her car but they'd pulled out all her child's seat, some toys etc and now she feels like she doesn't want her child touching those things. It hasn't taken much digging online to find out these people are a one family crime wave. The youngest brother has the first ever order in our area which completely bars him from certain areas of the town - and all of the brothers have various convictions. Think the police were a bit put out when they realised I'd done some digging.

OP posts:
TheLegendOfBeans · 31/01/2017 09:10

Sorry if you have mentioned this already but if you've not got the funds for an alternative buggy for the twins, contact your local NCT.

They have baby equipment (car seats, prams) available for short term hire (3-6 months) and would undoubtedly be sympathetic and potentially helpful to your cause.

My blood is boiling on your behalf.

Original poster
JSSB · 31/01/2017 09:23

Sorry I meant to add I'm not saying you're saying it's our fault KathArctic in case it read that way.

OP posts:
DontTouchTheMoustache · 31/01/2017 10:30

I'm terrible, I leave my pram permanently in my car as I've no room in the house for it. Mind you mine is only worth £100 brand new and it's old and covered in mud from walking the dog (and it's stored in a beaten up old corsa) so doesn't seem.to attract thieves haha (despite me regularly forgetting to lock my car!) I'm absolutely hopeless though.

QuimReaper · 31/01/2017 10:51

Twenty previous arrests?! Shock

What do you actually have to do to end up behind bars these days?!

DaphneDeLaFontaine · 31/01/2017 10:58

What utter Cunts. I'd be naming and shaming them all over the place.

Cherylene · 31/01/2017 12:00

If this family are very active in your area, do you think it worth informing the neighbours and maybe, in the future when you have dealt with this crap, setting up a neighbourhood watch group? I know they have the reputation of belonging to middle aged curtain twitchers, but it would enable people to get together to keep an eye on things and, importantly, communicate about what is going on locally, with the blessing of the police (and a vague hope that maybe they will take notice).

If people know what is going on, it would make it increasingly difficult for them to operate in the area, and sell stuff on through local facebook groups etc.

I know what it is like with the police. We had an antisocial family (think like those above but with minor public school education and entitlement) buy land here which they want to develop (not developable) who were shouting through letter boxes and stamping on front lawns. But if you tried to get help, the police would say it was all your fault and threaten you with arresting you for breaking the law Confused. They were more scared of them than we were! Council and planners were fab though - used to dealing with slippery confrontation.

The police were better when we were burgled (some years ago) but the people were involved were a two person crime wave and they knew exactly who they were - they still did at least 50 houses in the village before they got them - and that involved a stake out in next door's spare bedroom. I was only vaguely aware of this and did not know that next door but one was done only the day before we went away for a week.......

SparklyMagpie · 31/01/2017 12:12

Bloody hell OP! I am fuming for you!!

I really hope this gets sorted !

Merrymumoftwo · 31/01/2017 12:49

I would start by ringing back police and make a complaint that they failed to properly investigate and as a result this individual has subsequently contacted you stating they will assist in getting it back but need to raise funds (read want you to offer to pay) I do not think this is an innocent person as they would not have done that and would have assisted in providing details to the police. They are guilty of a criminal offence as previously stated (handling stolen goods). Once complaint made contact admin of the selling group tell them what happened and if they do not assist leave a one star review stating this group supports selling of stolen items

Original poster
JSSB · 31/01/2017 18:12

I've made a complaint to the police but the standard line seems to be due to lack of funding this type of crime is not a priority. I'm sure this is true but it feels like an easy response they can wheel out for any complaint. I've notified the selling group and have been told by admin she has been removed. I just feel so let down by the police. I did exactly what they advised at every step and it has got me nowhere. Someone we know who's an officer said that in a case like this you can normally apply a bit of pressure in terms of saying if they get the buggy back we will let it go but they don't even seem willing to do this. I'm rather incredulous about it all to be honest.

OP posts:
Megatherium · 31/01/2017 18:22

Have you tried your MP?

Merrymumoftwo · 31/01/2017 19:16

Not something I usually advocate but twitter remark on Essex commanders page asking when he started to feel it was okay to let people off with a crime? Tag mp also and local newsgroup

OlennasWimple · 31/01/2017 19:30

Raise the issue with your local police and crime commissioner

I think someone said you are in Essex?

Post the serial number onto the FB selling page saying that your buggy and accessories were stolen, so beware them being offered for sale illegally

Nofunkingworriesmate · 31/01/2017 19:51

Why did you leave empty handed if you knew is was yours?

myusernamewastaken · 31/01/2017 20:04

This is disgusting....this country is turning into a fucking shambles....i am fuming Op....please keep us updated on this x

MissVictoria · 31/01/2017 21:13

Op already said she went to view it alone and there were 4 people in the house and police would not attend. How exactly do you expect her to have "refused to leave without it?"

Coastalcommand · 31/01/2017 23:01

Very politely but clearly threaten the police with going to your local newspaper. Ask them if they will provide a comment. They won't, but it's a way to push them into action.

bonfireheart · 01/02/2017 12:04

Threaten the police with the local paper, good lord!

SophieGiroux · 05/06/2018 23:17

Did you ever get the buggy back?

BlueJava · 05/06/2018 23:26

How awful for you! And horrible the the police are not helping. However, I really wouldn't shame her on facebook - I understand she is in the wrong but it could really escalate for you. She has a lot of front to take something that was stolen and put it on facebook and I think I'd write it off rather than risk a run-in with her. I appreciate you may feel differently but I don't think it would be worth it. It also doesn't solve the problem that you don't have the pushchair/money to buy another so it fixes nothing but open up the possibility for problems.

Maelstrop · 05/06/2018 23:30

ZOMBIE THREAD!!

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