Kids in masks - threatening

[OutAndAbouting]

Just wondering here what anyone else would have done in these circumstances.

Today I was in town. It was chaos, given half term. There was a group, at least a dozen, of kids, perhaps 13-14, who were wearing gold masks. (Am I outing?).

I'm just wondering what anyone else would have done to react to this? I found it incredibly threatening. I did approach the kids and speak to them, querying whether or not their approach could be threatening or illegal. I later found a policeman who was patrolling. He went to investigate.

Would anyone else find this threatening or am i being over cautious?

why engage???
looking for a reason to start a fight??
you seem to be the problem here not them

I’d have done absolutely nothing. If they weren’t causing any bother, what’s the problem? I’ve spoken to groups of kids who were causing bother and just had a chat with them about stuff, but it seems you were looking to meddle for no reason. If you genuinely think they were out to cause trouble, then speaking to the local police would be appropriate. I’m not sure why it’s important to you that we all know how “brave” you were, but 🥇for you, if that’s what you need.

I think that you mean that I woluldn't have gone anywhere near them. Not went.

Please don't tell me what I would or wouldn't do. You don't know the first thing about me, other than that I approached some boys and told them they were looking for trouble, intimidating and could get pulled over.

I don't take shit.

Thanks. You clearly don't give a damn about upholding local law and order.

I’ve spoken to groups of kids who were causing bother and just had a chat with them about stuff,

What I did was no different. The 'brave' thing was trying to make light of the situation.

Oh, and if you'd read the thread, you'll have seen that I did, in fact, involve the police.

My stupidity was starting this thread. I might have know that I'd be attacked.

Were the kids actually doing anything antisocial? Or just existing?

Totally agree. We have several bunches of kids who are out pretty much every evening wearing black hoodies and either masks or black balaclavas. Their behaviour is shocking. The language and attitudes they use is revolting. They are also usually on bikes or scooters and weaving in and out of traffic. So sick of them.

I work with the elderly and several of them have said they no longer want to leave the house because of their fear of coming across these kids. One is so scared when it starts to get dark because they have being banging on her door after dark.

I honestly think that we need to come down on these brats like a ton of bricks and if necessary prosecute parents for allowing their kids to terrorise the elderly.

Would you have approached them if they were indulging in anti-social behaviour? Or if they were adults in masks @OutAndAbouting?

Why do you ask?

edit - that's an odd question!

That would freak me out too.

Sorry I hit post too soon. If one didn’t have one on and defended it, maybe they were ‘innocent’. What did he say and how was he towards you?

Because what you've said doesnt sound like you were brave as you claimed.

It sounds like you've forgotten what it is to be a teenager. You're not great at risk assessment. You pick on kids.

If what you say actually happened.🤷‍♀️

ffs. Several times.

This is a problem in Scotland free bus passes the little sods go on tour causing havoc

He was defensive and accepting of what I said. Quite polite. The ones coming in to join him were in masks and didn't look quite so friendly. Some on bikes, others on foot. Loud, shouty. I said I wasn't there to cause them any trouble, but just wanted to give them some advice which they seemed to accept. Fortunately, they didn't kick my head in.

I live in one of the most sought after towns in the UK. It's well posh. At the top of my road are huge multi million pound houses, at the bottom of the road is drug dealer heaven. I am the same with the drug dealers/takers. I engage. They know me. They won't hurt me or see me hurt.

I've taught kids for 20 years. I'm a pretty good judge as to how they tick.

This thread is amazing.

Well that’s positive!

What is it about it that’s amazing?

Would you have done the same to adult women or adult men, wearing masks in your town @OutAndAbouting ? Or even teens indulging in antisocial behaviour?

You have previously doubted what I have said. Ie, ‘If it happened’

i don’t feel it necessary to respond to your grilling until you apologise. Simple. I’d also like to know the relevance of your questions.

Thank you.

Isn't it?🤣🤣🤣

Did everyone clap and cheer, OP?

You have taught kids for 20+ years.

But you think you were fortunate not to get your head kicked in today? How many times have you had your head kicked in during your multi decade teaching career @OutAndAbouting ?

Mumsnet Gold ( masks)

Only in the OP's hungovered, feverish imaginations in his head on his sofa.
👏👏👏
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