Harassed by kids in street

[HebburnPokemon]

On my daily walk in a woodland area just now I was harassed by a group of kids on their bikes. They were swearing, saying if I didn’t answer them they would smash my face in, and coming towards me on their bikes and swerving aggressively. I’ve never seen anything like it. They looked around 12.

I'm 5ft0 and autistic. I was alone. I felt scared.

What can I (realistically and legally) do if this happens again? Aside from reporting to police who won't care.

I would walk with a stick and smash the loudest ones teeth in

No you bloody wouldn't 🙄

OP, that sounds scary, I hope you're ok now. If it happens again just keep walking, increase your pace a bit and keep your wits about you. But I would try to take a walk somewhere a bit more populated if possible.

I think you should get a body camera like the ones that the police wear. If you have video evidence then the police will absolutely do something.

Don't use physical force against them because then they could accuse you of something and then you would have to explain yourself to the police. It's even not okay to just push someone who is attacking you. I found that out the hard way, I'm sorry to say.

I’m so sorry that happened, I would feel vulnerable too. Some kids are horrible little shits. It’s crap and you shouldn’t have to do this but I would probably try and walk somehwere more.

Sadly it’s on the increase in our area. The police have said to report it each time as it builds up a picture. I’m sorry this has happened to you.

I would definitely report to the police now via 101 or online reporting and if it happens again call 999.

You can defend yourself and in the end, you have to do it, so it is not a dilemma.

Can someone walk with you, to witness who they are at least?

I'm so sorry this happens to you @HebburnPokemon. You must be terrified.

I agree with the PP who say film them. Then go to the police and your local councillor. No one should have to put up with it.

Definitely get a body camera so the Police x
can arrest the bastards.

Course you would hen 🙄

Body cam and carry Farb Gel. If they get too close - spray them.

It's such a shame as I've been walking in this area for years without issue. It's normally quite peaceful.

I've submitted an online report to the police, for what good it will do.

Could I record a bunch of kids on my phone, or will it look dodgy?

I think if it happens again phone the police or pretend to be speaking to the police if you can’t immediately get through. It may well get them to go away if you’re saying on the phone where you are, what’s happening and thanking the police for being there soon.

I think if they're shouting at you and physically intimidating you then it will look reasonable.

use it on kids?

Exactly what you should do. Make sure they can’t hit the phone out if your hand. Sound assertive. This is going to the police who’ll circulate around local schools.
Now piss off before I get really angry.
The last bit is optional.
The farb gel is a brilliant idea. They choose to harass you they get the consequences.

If they are threatening to assault you and got close enough to do so, of course. Why wouldn't you? It's harmless but it stains them.

You are the vulnerable one.

Yes they definitely came close enough

Don't use your phone - they will simply take it from you.

Wear a body bodycam and carry a rape alarm or pepper spray.

Walk somewhere more populated or at times you know they won't be out, like early morning.

Definitely record them on a device and use a spray. Even young kids are quite violent now and you're only short, so you shouldn't worry about defending yourself. Would you feel better carrying a hiking pole?

Record and tell them you’re live-streaming on Facebook.

“Im in 100 Acre Woods. I’m being threatened by a group of males. Can someone watching this livestream please call the police?” Repeat.

Pepper spray is illegal. Farb gel is not. Farb gel can be sprayed in the face.

Can you walk with someone else?