What would you do if you knew of a local paedophile?

[LowFatMilkshake]

I have lived in my area for nearly 8 years. When I first moved in DH and I were doing the front garden when an old man with a young, but large dog (guard dog type) started talking to us. I relayed this to a long time friend who has lived their nearly all her life and she said he was a paedophile. I did'nt think any more of this. Having no kids at the time I just dismissed it, partly thinking it may be a story among locals or something similar.

Although when he tried to talk to me after that I alway felt uncomfortable.

But a few weeks ago my neighbour who's retired told me he has served 4 years for paedophile offences, and he's supposed to stay away from children. This time I knew it was'nt just gossip as she explained her son was friends with his son when it happened. And she explained the large dog was got for him just after he got out as a sort of protection for him when out and about in the town etc.

I know where his house is and I have to pass it whenever I walk in to the town centre. And when I pass him in the street he always reigns his dog in so I can pass with my children, but I hate the way he looks at us, even more since I spoke to my neighbour.

But what really bothers me is that this man walks his dog several times a day in fields at the end of our road (somedays I have counted up to 4 walks). But you have to go almost through, but actually right along side a childs play park to get to them.

I know in the eyes of the law he has done his time and I have no reason to believe his he is doing anything but walking his dog. But I just can't stop worrying if something did happen could I have done anything to stop it.

He's quite a small man and always almost stooping so I dont think he could overpower anychild old enough to go to the park alone. But he does have that dog and the park is often empty because it backs on to farm lands, so a child on thier own could not always call for help.

Also we've (us and neighbours) seen him going down to fields with fistfuls of newspaper - which we though is strange as their are no bins there and in the fields no one bothers to pick up thier dog mess (so I am told I dont have a dog).

I dont want to ruin his life, but I certainly dont want a childs lie ruined instead...should I report him, or at least highlight a situation I find uncomfortable - and if so who do I contact, straight to the police or what??

I'v been dwelling on this for sometime and think it would be helpful to hear what others think.

I would have thought the police will know where he lives as he'll be on the child sex offenders register if he's a convicted paedophile. There is nothing you can do unless you have reason to think he is committing an offense.

i was watching something on TV a few months ago saying that local parents will be given the right to find out if there are paedophiles in their area but will not be able to tell others even other parents, as like you say, the man has served his time etc etc.
I think the best thing you can do is look after your children's interests, warn them about the bad people in the world and don't leave them alone.

I know its difficult and i would be aghast if this was happening in MY street, but, short of getting the villagers to march up to the castle on the hill with torches blazing, what else can you do?

You don't appear to have anything to report. Unless he is hanging around the playground he isn't breaking any rules. Just keep an eye on him but don't obsess.

But if he has been told to stay away from children, surely soming this close to a childs play area is in breach of that?!

There are other places to walk his dog, which I have seen him do occasionally, so it's not like he has no choice.

As Carmenere says, report what? going for walks isn't illegal, holding newspapers - not sure what you mean by that one.

Just teach your own children and encourage other kids you spend time around to be careful and sensible, but don't get worked up - he'll be known to the authorities - just get in contact if you see anything genuinely suspicious.

i don't think you have anything to report
if your kids are old enough to know about "stranger danger" then talk to them about it
as Boco says he will be known to the relevant authorities

Walking straight past a playground is one thing. Talking to children in the playground, hanging around in the playground encouraging children to stroke his dog, waiting by the playground entrance would all be another.

Nothing to report.

Thanks all. DD is too young to go to the playground by herself. And I think she is too young to hear about nasty things in the world. But I do worry for others.

I will leave the situation alone, but be more aware.

How old are your dc? You say you've lived there for 8 years now so has something changed lately in this man's behaviour which is unsettling you more?

I don't know what I would do tbh. I would be worried too, any parent in the know would be to an extent. I think I might go and chat with the police to ask them for some advice and just hear their point of view, not actually report the man. It might be reassuring for you.

I not sure how confident to be that this bloke is a paedophile from the information given.

Also I don't think the idea of not being able to overpower a kid holds much water. A kicking screaming child attracts attention, better to let them pet your dog, and see her puppies at your place, or whatever.

Personally, I'd try and get my facts first.

The police and social services are awfully keen on the rights of paedophiles, and in any case they don't want any trouble.

I'd ask him, straight out.
OK, not that straight...

Being a bloke, I'd just wander up to him, and say, "long time no see, when did you get out ?". A dumb trick but an assumptive close is surprisingly effective in getting some form of truth out of him.
If DH has a reliably tight control on his temper, I'd get him to do this.