Is It Any Of My Business

[lankeela]

I was making a cuppa looking out of my kitchen window and young unmarried mother who lives opposite had someone knock at her door, when she opened it he threw a small white crumpled package onto the floor in her hall, and she went back in and came back to the door and surreptitiously put something into his hand. I know what I think it was, but is it any of my business? Her son is around 8 or 9 and they never seem to have a lot of money, but she smokes which makes me cross as he always looks like he is wearing clothes too small for him and trainers with the soles flapping. Do I just let it go or do you think it is my duty to report it - I can't prove anything and wouldn't want to cause her any grief but if its what I think it is I don't want the likes of him round here.

[Bobbisox1]

That’s a hard call Lankeela , not one I’d like to get involved in as you can’t prove anything

[LadyCG]

Lankeela, one thing that we are always taught in the NHS is that child safeguarding is EVERYONE's business. If the child is unkempt and there are undesirables frequenting the residence it is not unreasonable to escalate this to the authorities.

[douglas9401]

When it comes to unmarried mothers you don't have to 'prove' anything. Their very existence condemns them.

Apparently.

[DTCwordfan]

report her to your local cop-shop. Someone in your local community will suffer, even die. My daughter and housemate were recently attacked in their house at 5.30pm on a Sunday afternoon in Leeds.

The young Indian national intruder high as a proverbial kite on MDM, ketamine, LSD and cocaine, never mind the alcohol. GBH with intent - 6 to 8 years and deportation....

Other than a few hairline fractures to the shoulder and kneecap, they are okay....thank goodness he wasn't wielding a knife....

[Stickybottle]

Maybe take a pic of the man next time you see him ?
Pop along to your nearest police station
Report your concerns and have a local officer look at the pic to see if he is ‘known to police’ fir dealing etc ?
That way you will not arouse suspicions by having police attend your home

[bednobs]

what did you think it was? sounds like my local hermes person!

[Arksided]

Please proceed with caution, whatever you decide to do.
I know where you live....

[pastafreak]

I'd suggest the same as sticky. And though you may not want to see a child exposed to such things, being poorly dressed is not an indication that she is a bad mother. Tread carefully. It's a very difficult situation.

[Stickybottle]

bednobs
what did you think it was? sounds like my local hermes person!
———
Never seen Hermes deliver packets of talcum powder-like substances nor take payment ! Lol

[Bobbisox1]

If you think the little one is being neglected then by all means report your suspicions to Social Services in the light of what’s happened to little ones too often, as for the package I doubt you can prove what it is , SS will no doubt find out if she’s ‘using’

[bednobs]

my hermes person chucks the parcels anywhere!

[lankeela]

I don't think the child is mistreated, and she seems pleasant enough when I've passed the time of day, I've just always felt a bit sorry for them. It was just such a cliche though, the small packet being thrown down on the floor without a word, her going in and coming out and passing something to him and him then walking away without hardly a word, at which she bent down and picked up the packet and closed the door. I haven't seen him around here before but probably wouldn't have noticed, but I would certainly know him again and will try to get a photo if I can without drawing attention to myself. Then off to see if plod is interested.

[ToraToraTora]

what do you think will happen if you dob her in?

[bednobs]

why would a drug dealer chuck it on the floor? what if it broke? why not just give it to her? do drug dealers really make home visits?

[DTCwordfan]

bednobs - 'Hermes' or 'Homeless'? Maybe not that much difference.

[ToraToraTora]

doesn't sound like the kid is in danger, if you dob them in it will not do the kid any favours.

[DTCwordfan]

as to above, maybe it's the supply chain.....?

[Peter Pedant]

no - she isnt dealing so the police will show minimal interest. they never go after a deal but the dealers

well they are meant to go after the dealers

[Arksided]

Good to know you keep an eye out for young folk, but have to say drug dealers don't operate in that manner, not that i've known a few ever honest...

[Atheist]

There's a good Alan Bennet 'Talking Heads' programme about a nosy neighbour who interferes but gets everything wrong. I don't like that your motivation seems to be that you don't want 'the likes of him around here', rather than you are worried about her or her son. I think that if you are worried, then why not speak to someone (I don't know who) then if there is anything wrong something might be done (I don't know what).