Kids knocking asking for water

[BartokRules]

A group of boys about 10 and below went to several houses on the street today asking for a drink of water. It felt a bit off!
They weren’t kids that live on the street but one said he lived nearby. More than one neighbour gave them what they asked for but should they be knocking at strangers doors?

This used to be a classic thieves' tactic - hoping someone would leave the door open while they went to the kitchen so that they could grab whatever's easy to reach in the hall and run. Same with asking to use the toilet - one stops and keeps the householder occupied while the other rummages around upstairs.

If it was a hot day and they looked thirsty I'd close the door and lock them out while I went to get water for them.

Sounds very weird to me.

Ignore. Could be trying to see if there’s anything on reach to steal.

Well they’re obviously up to no good if despite neighbours answering their request, they continued asking exactly the same of other neighbours! My nervous brain is thinking they’re scoping out owners for an older ne’er do well planning robberies since the elderly are easier targets.

These replies 😂.

As the mother of a ten year old, I would say it’s much more likely that they’re daring each other to ask at different houses or playing a game to see how many people will give them a drink.

@YesHonestlyI can see that, yes.
Would you tell your 10 year old that they shouldn’t ask people they don’t know?

Distraction theft tactic. Bag on the bottom of the stairs, purse on the kitchen island. Car keys for an older accomplice.

My ten year old is autistic and doesn’t go out, but we live opposite a little play park where I regularly see children of the same age egging each other on to ask me/neighbours for things or do silly dares.

I appreciate that you might not live somewhere similar, but I would imagine it’s much more likely that they were either thirsty or playing a game than planning a robbery.

I would tell them they need to go home and ask their mother. I agree it's probably a dare, but they don't know whose doors they are knocking on. It's either innocent enough - who can get a drink - or it is to grab something like a purse. Either way, they shouldn't be doing it.

Parents should have warned them about stranger danger!

Round where I live, it is more likely a robbery than sweet innocent fun! 😂

There are kids on my road who ask for money if they see you outside your house, it’s cheeky and weird. I tell them to stop begging!

I'd just close front door then give them a large bottle of water to share with plastic beakers.

😂 I must lead a sheltered life!

I just think it’s a bit sad that kids can’t knock on a neighbours door for a drink without everyone assuming the worst.

I was in and out of all my neighbours houses as a kid, although I appreciate times have changed!

i would tell them to get a drink at home, or charge them

I've turned into an auld cynic. All I'm hearing is a thieving tactic. Is the house empty? What can be seen through the door? Any cameras? Dogs?

But saying that...I do recall the dare of knocking on a door as a child.

How strange, I would be worried about them knocking on the wrong door (paedophile types).

Really thought kids were more wordly wise these days.

Charge them???? 😂😂😂

I'd point to my front garden hose and say that could drink from that! 😆

Did you miss the bit where OP stated these were not children from her street, so not neighbours, just random kids ?

i wouldnt trust them

I remembered from years ago that some not so nice "friends" called on me and one asked for a drink of water. Quick as a flash my sister younger by 2 years who didn't like them said "there's a tap around the back".

Odd

Don't answer the door

What you need is an outdoor tap and a hosepipe. It's what we drank from at their age.

It wouldn't surprise me if they were genuinely thirsty. It's another 'thing' with kids now. My cousin is a teacher and was talking to the kids about the school production, their main concern was if they got thirsty how would they have a drink 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️ She said they should be able to manage an hour without drinking. New breed of kids!