Leaving children alone in car... what age and how long?

[redhappy]

I'm normally a lot less 'safety conscious' than everyone else on here seems to be.

However, have found out dp leaves ds in the car alone when I'm not there. I don't think it's for a long time, but for example, he went to a retail park, ds wouldn't cooperate, didn't want to go in the shop. So dp left him inside the car (which was parked right outside the front doors), locked the doors and went into the shop.

Ds is 4. I have tried to say it isn't safe or fair to leave him on his own. Dp says he's fine, there's nothing that could happen to ds because engine turned off and doors locked.

I disagree, don't think it's safe but can't come up with any suggestions of what the danger might be!

Have tried scaring im with possibility that someone would report him to the police, but he doesn't believe me! I know some of you lot would do it!

Just posted here yesterday and today in the papers was a story of a drug addict who hijacked a car with a 2 year old in it! The mum had left her 11yr DD, 10yr DS and 2yr DS in the car to run in and buy a packet of cigarettes. The guy scared the boy out of the car and scrapped the girls back with a screwdriver to get her out as she tried to release the toddler. He dragged her out through the driver door as the back door was child locked, he then took off at speed with the toddler in the car. The mum came out just as he was pulling out. Luckily a member of her family was also on the school run and picked her up they followed the direction of the car. She found her 2 year old in the middle of the road a mile on. The car jacker was later involved in trying to ram the police cars and shots were fired!
All over the papers here today (ireland) All a bit mad!

I think in a petrol station is fine as you can see them. My ds is very sensible (for an almost 4 year old) but if Mummy's out of sight he will always try things. I have left him with my 9 year old dss for a few mins though. Disagree with them being locked in the car as they could just open the door, you don't have child locks on the front doors and kids can/will climb into the front.

Scary story MammyG

Second time thats happened in Ireland in the last few months - last time it was a baby, recovered unharmed at a train station.

Also having seen one child make electric windows go up and down, whilst another child stuck his head out of it, would not be keen on leaving any small child unattended near that hazard. (Those children retreated into their car and away from the window when they saw bystanders getting closer though- scarey and confusing for them though I think).

I was filling up with petrol once, watching the price on the pump, when I heard the car door open. DD's three year old friend from nursery was climbing in the car, her mum's car was at the other side of the forecourt and she was inside waiting to pay.
I'e also seen a car catch fire in a car park, frighteningly quick.
Before these incidents I used to leave the kids in the car to pop in a shop or even for a nap but when you personally see what could happen it makes you think twice about it.

Had this discussion with a group of school mums just before Xmas. Apparently, a friend of one of the mum's left her two DC in the car at the supermarket to go and get a prescription filled in the pharmacy. Someone saw the kids on their own and told Customer Services who called the police. Kids and mum all taken to police station. No further action taken, I believe, but she was told that SS would be called if it happened again.

True? Who knows. Would I leave my kids in the car having heard that? No way!

I leave mine (18mths & 5) whilst I pay for petrol or pop into the post office/local store, but definitely wouldn't go into a supermarket or retail type store unless I was parked right outside & could see the car at all time.
LCN

Dont know what age I'd leave Ds in the car but I know that nearly 7 is too young. Not sure what difference it makes if you leave dcs in the car where you can see them. That wouldn't stop an electrical fault for example.

I always take him with me, even at a petrol station. If I do pay at the pump petrol I make sure that I park with his door closest to the pump and open it in case something happens and I need to get him out quickly.

i have a 4 month old and the issue that my drive way and garage is round the corner from my house. if ive been shopping i cant carry everything in at once so i have to either lock him in the car or house while i run back and forth with shopping - i hate doing it and he will be walking back and fourth with me as soon as he can.