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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is it worth phoning the police?

21 replies

Emonade · 06/05/2025 19:55

I live in a village about half an hour outside our nearest city, I have a one year old baby. Have only taken him into the city centre a couple of times. Decided to go in today and spend a couple of vouchers I’ve had for ages. We had a lovely time, had some lunch then walking back to the car I was carrying DS and pushing pushchair, he was looking back over my shoulder, I then heard shouting and swearing and quickly realised it was being directed at my baby. They were saying why are you fucking looking at me, etc etc, baby was about to get upset so I stood aside and let them past, it was three maybe 17 year old lads, one said to the other why are you doing that it’s a baby and he replied cos it was fucking looking at me. I did shout he's a baby but they didn’t acknowledge it. Someone stopped and asked if I was okay as they heard it and saw them making gestures at my baby, I quickly got quite upset I don’t know why it just really shook me up. I had a minute and walked to the car park, inside there are security guys and I was still a bit upset and one of them asked if I was okay I explained what had happened and he was fuming and took me to the office, when there he went and had a scout about, obviously couldn’t find them and I was fine by this point as was my little boy, they said I could log it as verbal abuse/anti social behaviour with the police as there would probably be cctv, just wanted to get home at this point as baby needed a nap. Would I be unreasonable to report to the police? My mum and partner dont think I should report and I’m on the fence. It just really shook me up and I have post natal anxiety that is pretty bad and I just keep thinking something awful could’ve happened.

OP posts:
Nameftgigb · 06/05/2025 19:59

I 100% think you should just because this is almost definitely not a one off, feral little twats like that clearly like terrorising people, and to go after a mum and baby! It might have been reported before and the police might be very interested. It might not have been reported before and the police might not do much, but it’ll help the next person who they inevitably decide to intimidate

Aliceglass · 06/05/2025 20:14

That’s awful. Honestly I completely understand why you are shook up. Terrifying how people act sometimes

Childanddogmama · 06/05/2025 20:14

I don't know whether the police would investigate or not. But it must have been awful for you, not knowing what might happen. Sorry this happened. Don't let it knock your confidence for getting out with baby again.

Reliablesource · 06/05/2025 20:15

Sorry this happened to you when you were just having a nice day out. Sadly there are feral scumbags in every town and city who will pick on someone for no reason, but is horrible when something like this happens and I fully understand you feeling shaken and upset.

I think you will feel better if you report it to the police - you can actually log as I and low level crimes online if you Google 101. You can add an account of what happened, where you were, etc, and an officer may well call you within a day or so to get more info.

Don’t let this isolated incident put you off going out with your baby and having a nice time; it’s very unlikely you’ll come across scumbags like that again. Big hug.

TY78910 · 06/05/2025 20:17

Yep, do it to the non emergency number / online form.
As @Nameftgigb said it’s probably not the first or the last time. They also have a witness (security guard) who will likely be more than happy to assist and likely provide CCTV.
sorry this happened to you and ruined your day out.

OhreallyOReilly · 06/05/2025 20:18

The person involved sounds mentally ill and dangerous.

RaininSummer · 06/05/2025 20:28

That is horrible. I hope you are ok. Please do report the incident.

tripleginandtonic · 06/05/2025 20:32

Looks like one of the group challenged big mouth themselves. I'd forget about it.

Moonnstars · 06/05/2025 20:34

Yes I would log with 101. Maybe this group have been abusive to others. It might help identify anti social groups in the area.

Seamond · 06/05/2025 20:36

I would report it on 101.

Original poster
Emonade · 06/05/2025 21:10

Thank you everyone for kind words and encouragement understanding. I might do the 101 just as a sort of full stop on it and try to stop thinking about it.

OP posts:
BakelikeBertha · 06/05/2025 21:17

I think that's a very good idea OP. Once you've reported it, you'll know that you've done everything possible to stop yourself or anyone else being attacked in this way, and I think it will make you feel better.

I'm SO sorry you had to go through this though.

FumingTRex · 06/05/2025 21:22

I think you should, you can report it online. Is it likely that they were from a nearby school or college? If so its worth letting them know too, as they will take it seriously.

FumingTRex · 06/05/2025 21:24

Its good that one of the 17 year olds challenged it and that passers by helped you.

NippyNinjaCrab · 06/05/2025 21:27

Definitely report it, if it happened to someone else you wouldn't forgive yourself. I'm so sorry this happened, it's a sick world we have now, hugs xx

Lavender14 · 06/05/2025 21:36

I'm sorry this happened to you op. Tbh I work with some pretty volatile young people but that to me reads like a mental health crisis or addiction - it sounds like he was incredibly paranoid and the fact one of them pulled him up immediately makes me think it's not necessarily normal behaviour for them as a group. But either way, I think it would do no harm to report - even if he was someone in a paranoid crisis he might need help himself. So ringing would do no harm. I wouldn't get your hopes up about an outcome as such but hopefully it gives you a sense of closure and taking some control over the situation back for yourself.

Also just to say I had awful ppa so I understand how that can feel and it'll be important for you to get back out into town as soon as possible so this doesn't become a reason to stay home or torture yourself. You were very unlucky for that to happen to you but you are safe, baby is safe and you handled the situation very well.

EmmaJane2025 · 06/05/2025 21:43

I totally sympathise as that must’ve been awful to hear, not to mention infuriating. But, police?!? They didn’t commit a crime. Police have enough to deal with without reports being made because someone said something they didn’t like. Obviously if they’d been threatening in their physical demeanour or threatened to harm you or the baby (god forbid) then that would be different. Reporting this though, will just lead to nothing and will waste your time. I’m just being realistic.

Original poster
Emonade · 06/05/2025 21:51

Lavender14 · 06/05/2025 21:36

I'm sorry this happened to you op. Tbh I work with some pretty volatile young people but that to me reads like a mental health crisis or addiction - it sounds like he was incredibly paranoid and the fact one of them pulled him up immediately makes me think it's not necessarily normal behaviour for them as a group. But either way, I think it would do no harm to report - even if he was someone in a paranoid crisis he might need help himself. So ringing would do no harm. I wouldn't get your hopes up about an outcome as such but hopefully it gives you a sense of closure and taking some control over the situation back for yourself.

Also just to say I had awful ppa so I understand how that can feel and it'll be important for you to get back out into town as soon as possible so this doesn't become a reason to stay home or torture yourself. You were very unlucky for that to happen to you but you are safe, baby is safe and you handled the situation very well.

Thank you it’s so nice of you to say. And yes I thought that too in terms of the young person. Do you mind if I ask how long did your PPA last for? Did you get any treatment? Will try and get back out this week

OP posts:
savuni27 · 06/05/2025 23:05

That sounds like an awful experience and must’ve been frightening.
I would definitely report it!

GRex · 06/05/2025 23:10

This sounds like mental illness or a drug induced issue. It is not a general antisocial behaviour thing. I think it is worth reporting; if police see who the boy is then they may have a better idea of the situation.

GRex · 06/05/2025 23:11

I hope you are relaxed now you're home, of course it was a shock but you protected your baby very well. Good job.

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