What would you do if you saw a sign in a window saying "help me"

[Lois345]

I saw a sign in a window today saying "help me." It was one of those neat black framed boards that you can write on by moving little white plastic letters around. It was facing the street. Would you call the police? Do you think they would respond to this? I live in Edinburgh, if that makes any difference (maybe someone here with local knowledge of the police)

Yes I would call the police and let them decide. For the sake of a phone call, why would you not?

I would call the police straight away. I think you should do it right now.

I'd assume it was likely humorous and walk on by.

I would call the police and wait outside if I could

Call the police

Yes I would call the police, i would rather over react in this instance than under react.

Call the police without question. Better safe than sorry.

I would take a photo and call the police.

I would call the police it could be a case of domestic violence. They will decide what to do - leave it in their hands.

When I was a child a neighbour’s small child came round with a tiny note from the mother asking for help as her husband was beating her.

It’s obviously unsettled you as you are posting on here so I would go with your instinct and contact the police.

Of course I would. If it’s an adult messing about, the police will probably tell them to wise up, but it could be a child or woman who is being abused. When I went into my oldest boys home (adopted and too complicated to go into) to get some stuff he wanted to bring with him, when he came to live with me, I saw the words help me written on the wall, beside his bed. That still upsets me. His birth mother was an alcoholic and it was a very destructive household.

Yes police

I would assume they are students pissing around because they are self isolating. But I'd also call the police in case - and if it is students hopefully they'll be told to be less stupid.

I would assume it was a joke.

Then I might process it a bit more and think to call the police.

Knock on the door would've my first move , hopefully "joke" or shit attempt at art

I would assume Halloween type joke but certainly would call and report to be on safe side

Police definitely

I’m a bit thrown by it being on a black board with white letters you move around (I have no idea what you are referring to), but that makes me think it could be a strange joke.

I think I would be inclined to report it anyway just in case. Please do not knock on the door as somebody has suggested as if it is genuine DV situation, you may just take away any chance they have of getting help.

I'd assume it was a kid playing a prank

Probably a student who doesn’t have enough space to write ‘please bring beer and weed’.

I'd assume a joke given the time of year

Definitely take a photo and make a note of the address and call the police asap.

It doesn't matter if it's a mistake or a prank -- reporting it won't really won't hurt anyone.

But if it's something real and you don't report it, it could have terrible consequences.

No harm in sharing this

www.care.com/c/stories/16885/secret-hand-signal-domestic-abuse/

I’d probably think it wasn’t serious but I’d still call the police!

I wouldn’t want it on my conscience if I ignored it and it was genuine.

I would phone the police.

There was a case, in America I think, where someone being held hostage by their partner managed to order a pizza and asked them to call the police in the notes.