Stopped Searched and Robbed by 12 year olds

Claregirl

My 16 year old son told me a story today about his friend who was robbed of €5. His friend who’s also sixteen was on his way to our estate when he was stopped by two twelve year olds and was ordered to turn out his pockets – he did this and had a fiver on him which was grabbed and the two scumbags then went on their way a fiver richer.

I was gobsmacked and said wtf surely he’s not scared of a couple of tiny 12 year olds? Why didn’t he just tell em to F*ck off?? My son then gave me a lecture on being “street smart” the 12 year olds are not the problem and could be easily taken care of - the problem comes from the extended family, cousins, older brothers etc and it’s just not worth the hassle or the hiding you’d get.

Apparently this is a regular occurrence and the lads usually try and avoid them or if they have money they hide it in their socks. Now my lad is a big strapping young fella and apparently he’s encountered this numerous times and has meekly turned out his pockets.

I’m absolutely livid but also feel powerless these scumbags are getting away with this through fear and intimidation. I’m all for reporting this to the Gardaí and telling my young fella to just ignore them and keep on walking but my OH reckons we’ll make a target out of our lad and he won’t be able to walk the street safely on his own if he “draws that shower on himself”.

So anyone else have experience of this? Is it common? What did you do? What should I do?

Fr_Dougal

Sounds as if the boys are trying to hide a crystal meth problem by pretending that they've been shaken down by some 12 year olds.

Have you considered drug counselling?

Corvo

I understand where you are coming from, but to be honest, I'd rather tell the two 12 year olds to fook off and take my hiding off the older brothers (should they appear). Give it once and they will know you will give it again.

Even when the older brothers / friends appear, tell the young lad to stand up for himself. Black eyes etc. will heal. Constantly being taken for a mug and losing 5 quid everytime you walk down the street is not on.

Even if standing up to the older brothers isn't an option, I'd still tell the two lads to do-one and report any further assaults or intimidation to the Gardai. Still option one for me though, maybe coupled with a hurley.

Festy

The only way to put and end to crap like this is to stand up to the little sh1tes otherwise they'll just keep doing it.

Sky King

It's like Simey says, M'uncle anthony's boys are going to take care of your boys. I am not going to skip the queue. I want to fight davey first, then your son john. He's the same age as meself, 34 he's in the prime of his life, and I am in the prime of my life. Now lets get it on Joe! Ya junkies junkies bastard ya! This is about them tapes you've been makin.

Corvo

Sky King wrote: »

It's like Simey says, M'uncle anthony's boys are going to take care of your boys. I am not going to skip the queue. I want to fight davey first, then your son john. He's the same age as meself, 34 he's in the prime of his life, and I am in the prime of my life. Now lets get it on Joe! Ya junkies junkies bastard ya! This is about them tapes you've been makin.

It's Mucklanty's house!

"All these DVD's that ye Jamaican"

crockholm

Those little shytes are going to do it again and again, have your boy wallop the leader(take the king and the pawns fall). Should they go back,what are they going to say? "we were out robbing poeple when a nasty boy clocked us,mammy"? Make it aware to the Gardai what has happened, but you have a responsibility to teach the kid not to be some knack doormat.

Chattastrophe!

Oh FFS that's pathetic.

Your kid's friend seems a bit of a pansy (if that story is even real.)

He needs to learn to grow a pair and stand up for himself. No one else will do it for him.

biko

They don't even see it as robbing as all they have to do is ask.
And they know nothing will happen.

Sooner rather than later they'll start trying for bigger game.

smash

Tlachtga wrote: »

Oh FFS that's pathetic.

Your kid's friend seems a bit of a pansy (if that story is even real.)

He needs to learn to grow a pair and stand up for himself. No one else will do it for him.

Bit harsh...

Systemic Risk

Tough situation OP. My initial reaction would be the same as yours. I hate this. He should at least keep walking and not let himself be bullied by children. He definitely should not turn out his pockets for them as its showing weakness to them. He shouldn't provoke them either or give them an excuse to get their family after your son.

Would you consider talking to your community garda on an informal basis without making a complaint. Let him/her know the situation and ask them to do something about it. If the situation continues perhaps talking to a local councillor. You have the law on your side and should be able to address the situation without drawing attention to your son.

humbert

It's possible the reason the 12 year-olds are doing it is that the law can't touch them.

If your son stands up to them and the older brothers get involved then the Gardai might be able to do something. If you report the 12 year-olds you're wasting your time.

Festy

humbert wrote: »

It's possible the reason the 12 year-olds are doing it is that the law can't touch them.

If your son stands up to them and the older brothers get involved then the Gardai might be able to do something. If you report the 12 year-olds you're wasting your time.

Sounds like travellers to me :mad:

Systemic Risk

Op can I ask where you are based? I see you are a Clare girl, is it Ennis you are in or a smaller town?

Chabals Beard

I had this happen to me once. Was walking down a town one day after a rugby match with 2 other friends, when we were approached by 3 knackers, about 12 years old. We were 16 and a fair bit bigger than them and could easily taken them, but of course the we ll have our LCA brothers down threat came and we hesitated . Eventually they ****ed off but I could defiently see they would go for a young lad on his own.

emo72

all very well having principles and stuff. but the gards wont be there when your son is battered. the scum have no fear of nothing unfortunately.

Festy

Chabals Beard wrote: »

I had this happen to me once. Was walking down a town one day after a rugby match with 2 other friends, when we were approached by 3 knackers, about 12 years old. We were 16 and a fair bit bigger than them and could easily taken them, but of course the we ll have our LCA brothers down threat came and we hesitated . Eventually they ****ed off but I could defiently see they would go for a young lad on his own.

Claregirl

Based in Ennis and if the worst that could happen to him is a black eye that would be well and good.

Unfortunately these people are capable of intimidating entire communities so I'm reluctant to draw them on him.

Might just have a discreet informal chat with the Gardaí just to make them aware that this is going on.

hefferboi

Festy wrote: »

Leaving Cert Applied.

Systemic Risk

Claregirl wrote: »

Based in Ennis and if the worst that could happen to him is a black eye that would be well and good.

Unfortunately these people are capable of intimidating entire communities so I'm reluctant to draw them on him.

Might just have a discreet informal chat with the Gardaí just to make them aware that this is going on.

That's why I asked was it Ennis, I live in Galway and lived in Limerick for 4 years and I've had quite a few colleagues and friends over the years from Ennis. I've heard what certain areas of it can be like(no offence meant at all).

I still think he shouldn't let them bully him and turn out his pockets but he should be very careful about hitting them or anything like that. Anyway best of luck with the situation I hope it gets resolved for you.

Festy

Claregirl wrote: »

Based in Ennis and if the worst that could happen to him is a black eye that would be well and good.

Unfortunately these people are capable of intimidating entire communities so I'm reluctant to draw them on him.

Might just have a discreet informal chat with the Gardaí just to make them aware that this is going on.

Honestly when it comes to these type of scum the cops won't do much about it not unless they catch them in the act.The best you can hope for is that they'll live up to their name and f##k off somewhere else asap.

crimewave

Allowing themselves to be bullied by the 12-year-olds is going to end badly. I accept that it's not the 12-year-olds that they are frightened of, but they need to deal with the older lads only if/when they have a confrontation with them.
If word gets around that they roll over for the younger lads they will be in trouble.
I was taught from a young age always to walk away... But if that doesnt work, go for broke. Chances are they will have respect for you after that. Even if they dont outwardly show it.

NuckingFacker

When someone says, or implies that if you fight them, their bigger brother will come and get you, deal with what's in front of you right now, worry about the brothers later. I got into a fight with a well known scumbags younger brother, same age as me - I broke his jaw. His older brother came around the next day and said fair fecks for standing up to the little b0llix sure he needed a good hiding. Whenever we met from then on, we got on grand.

On the other hand, older brother might come around and shoot you. But sure scars on your face are better than scabs on your knees. There were lads at my school who used to get their trainers robbed off their feet on the way to school and meekly accept it. I'd rather die, tbh. Better a day as a lion than a lifetime as a lamb.

Remmy

Can he engage them in conversation and show he has a common interest? bareknuckle boxing or stealing cars perhaps.

deisedave

Chabals Beard wrote: »

I had this happen to me once. Was walking down a town one day after a rugby match with 2 other friends, when we were approached by 3 knackers, about 12 years old. We were 16 and a fair bit bigger than them and could easily taken them, but of course the we ll have our LCA brothers down threat came and we hesitated . Eventually they ****ed off but I could defiently see they would go for a young lad on his own.

What is LCA

ToddyDoody

Scare them off with your penis. Scare them off with your penis.

SV

It's not exactly street smart now that they've identified your son's friend as an easy target who's always going to hand over the money handy.

Degag

NuckingFacker wrote: »

When someone says, or implies that if you fight them, their bigger brother will come and get you, deal with what's in front of you right now, worry about the brothers later. I got into a fight with a well known scumbags younger brother, same age as me - I broke his jaw. His older brother came around the next day and said fair fecks for standing up to the little b0llix sure he needed a good hiding. Whenever we met from then on, we got on grand.

On the other hand, older brother might come around and shoot you. But sure scars on your face are better than scabs on your knees. There were lads at my school who used to get their trainers robbed off their feet on the way to school and meekly accept it. I'd rather die, tbh. Better a day as a lion than a lifetime as a lamb.

Reminds me of this guy...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0s4uw78e-0

Syllabus

had this same problem many yrs ago

the little scumbag and his mates used to nick me smokes.

not much i could do as i knew who their brothers were and would easily have been bet around

i had the last laugh though

the little scumbag ended up in pats

sdanseo

smash wrote: »

Bit harsh...

Truth can hurt.

Kid needs to send the two little ****s packing the next time they come asking, or they'll come asking until it is better to take the hassle the semi-mythical older family members might bring.

Hurleys are great, too, but to be used in legal moderation.

Czarcasm

I can't believe nobody's mentioned this thread yet as an example to the OP; similar situation, very different outcome-

I've just punched a child

elfy4eva

When I was in my teens I Lived next to a bit of a rough park which was frequent hanging grounds for youths from a certain... "subcultural community". Was robbed a few times in that park once at knife point, Never had much to be robbed of though thankfully.

Some people are stupid enough to not care if they stick you with a knife or kick you in the head. And with that it could be all over for you.

emo72

yeah, the old timers will regale us all about when they were kids they stood up to the local bullys and sorted their stuff out.

however, things are quite different now. the scum know no fear, happy to leave you bleeding to death in the street, they will go to jail, become heroes amongst the other scum. and you're dead.

what to do?

Super-Rush

Festy wrote: »

Sounds like travellers to me :mad:

Really?

How so?

humbert

humbert wrote: »

It's possible the reason the 12 year-olds are doing it is that the law can't touch them.

And it's also possible the reason they're doing it is 'cos they couldn't give a flying fcuk about the law, knowing damn well that it won't touch them and so not be particularly interested in the can't

If the OP is worried about the big brothers/cousins making bigger problems for her son, then it's clear that these two 12 year olds are growing up watching older and bigger family members do what they please with total impunity, doing what they like and getting away with it for years and years, so it only stands to reason that they would now think the same way.

And like it or not, they happen to be right. They'll do what they damn well please, nobody is going to do anything about it, and if you don't like it you can have a brick in your window followed by a burning rag in your car's petrol tank.

Gatling

Serious seriously 12 years old mugging 16 / 17 year olds WTF

Tips

Head butt to the face

Kick to the guts

Kick to the balls

Stamp ,stamp stamp

Unconscious

Walk away laughing

Turning out pockets to 12 year olds seriously

Bunch of

humbert

Super-Rush wrote: »

Really?

How so?

12 year olds stealing from much bigger 16 year olds whose parents are sufficiently intimidated by the extended family to allow it to continue. Sounded like travellers to me too.

Given that the OP thanked the post I'm assuming his guess was correct.

EazyD

I'm not one to condone violence usually but little sewer-rats like that deserve a well connected knuckle. They'll piss off the wrong person one day no doubt.

Quandary

I used to work with a lad who when he was 14 stood up to some scumbags one day after school in Limerick. He managed to fight them off when they tried to rob him.

He is now in his mid 20's and still gets attacked by that same family of scumbags and their mates when they see him on nights out.

He stood up for himself, and continues to do so but the intimidation continues. The gardai have been next to useless despite him making numerous complaints.

It's a terrible situation to be in. he doesn't mind so much when he's on his own but sometimes his gf is with him and he's worried she will get battered too. Unfortunately the law will only intervene when someone gets beaten to within an inch of their life or worse.

Madam_X

NuckingFacker wrote: »

On the other hand, older brother might come around and shoot you. But sure scars on your face are better than scabs on your knees.

I don't think it's helpful for people to be saying the young fella should grow a pair etc - talk about redirecting the blame from the people who are to blame. What if he's a really timid kid? If the 12-year-olds are from known intimidating families, then it's taking a risk to get confrontational with them. Stories of how people did it and it was fine are all well and good, but people are different - not everyone is able for fighting. It's nothing to do with the truth hurting, the actual truth unfortunately is that not everyone who stands up for themselves will have things end well for them. And it's nothing to do with being "pathetic" or a "pansy" either. George McFly squaring up to Biff Tannen type stories are not always the reality, sadly.
It's tricky - I think the kids they try and intimidate should do their best to just ignore them and walk away. I accept that might be easier said than done though.

Boys are really often expected to be tough no matter what gets thrown at them - we should be moving on from that kind of black and white thinking.

0066ad

And pavee point wants to give these people ethnic rights, They are a torn in
Ireland's side. A law to themselves and if anyone questions it, you are the
racist.

0066ad

Madam_X wrote: »

I don't think it's helpful for people to be saying the young fella should grow a pair etc - talk about redirecting the blame from the people who are to blame. What if he's a really timid kid? If the 12-year-olds are from known intimidating families, then it's taking a risk to get confrontational with them. Stories of how people did it and it was fine are all well and good, but people are different - not everyone is able for fighting. It's nothing to do with the truth hurting, the actual truth unfortunately is that not everyone who stands up for themselves will win out.
It's tricky - I think the kids they try and intimidate should do their best to just ignore them and walk away. I accept that might be easier said than done though.

Why should anyone be intimated? and just walking away makes them think
they won. Fcuk that

Have you ever been in that situation?

humbert

0066ad wrote: »

And pavee point wants to give these people ethnic rights, They are a torn in
Ireland's side. A law to themselves and if anyone questions it, you are the
racist.

Broad insubstantial statements like that are why it's almost impossible to have a discussion on the subject.

Tigger

emo72 wrote: »

yeah, the old timers will regale us all about when they were kids they stood up to the local bullys and sorted their stuff out.

however, things are quite different now. the scum know no fear, happy to leave you bleeding to death in the street, they will go to jail, become heroes amongst the other scum. and you're dead.

what to do?

I carried a home made blackjack and knew how to use it in the 80's do you think we didn't have to fight back back then
Ye are a bunch if mollycoddled babies if you think being mugged by someone 25% younger than you is ok

It's talking to wimps on the Internet that has normalised being a puddy

SusieBlue

OP, my heart goes out to you. What a tricky situation.

You seemed to be damned if you do and damned if you don't. I agree that not drawing on those types of families are for the best - You'll get no satisfaction from the Guards if anything happens. I have no idea what background these kids are from (its irrelevant anyway, this behaviour is completely unacceptable) but I hope you know what I mean when I say that it is evident that those children have been dragged up to say they think its okay to intimidate and steal. I certainly would not want to draw attention on my family from those kinds of people, though, which is why you are stuck.

On the other hand, it can't go on. Its a few euro here and there now, but what if its his phone next time, or his iPod maybe? This will escalate if it continues. They also may become violent towards him if he doesn't cooperate which won't be good either.

I have no advice for you, just letting you know that I sympathise. I think an informal chat with the guards is definitely for the best. Is there any way your son can avoid the areas these little scuts hang around?

0066ad

humbert wrote: »

Broad insubstantial statements like that are why it's almost impossible to have a discussion on the subject.

It's not a broad insubstantial statement, everybody knows for a reason what
ethnic these people are without ever mentioning it.

humbert

0066ad wrote: »

It's not a broad insubstantial statement, everybody knows for a reason what
ethnic these people are without ever mentioning it.

By that logic all black people refer each other as brother, all women cry during romantic movies, all men drive recklessly to impress their friends and all Irish people express surprise with a loud jaunty begorrah.

wandatowell

Fair play to your son,


You do what you gotta do to survive

Allyall

One thing is for certain. Let them away with it, and they'll keep doing it.
If the kid who is getting bullied parents' are afraid to do anything, then what chance has the kid got?
Stand up, group together, talk to other kids parents, how many parents together can stop this?
Is Everyone afraid?
Surely there must be somebody in or around the area you live that isn't afraid to do anything. Get the lot of ye together, get the Gardaí, and have a meeting. Probably a lot more going on that you don't know about.

These 12 year olds will be their victims best friends in a few years when they're trying to get them strung out on smack, and "earn" their money that way. Exaggeration maybe, but not too much.

If you all have a meeting, and decide to do something about it, no single kid will stand out, or be the one they "make an example of".

If you don't stop it now, it'll probably get worse. Some kid will be sick of it, stand up to them and probably take a proper beating.

You have the advantage of now knowing about it, do something about it.

0066ad

humbert wrote: »

By that logic all black people refer each other as brother, all women cry during romantic movies, all men drive recklessly to impress their friends and all Irish people express surprise with a loud jaunty begorrah.

Is that your reply? where in the did hell you come up with that logic.

shruikan2553

humbert wrote: »

By that logic all black people refer each other as brother, all women cry during romantic movies, all men drive recklessly to impress their friends and all Irish people express surprise with a loud jaunty begorrah.

At least they are functioning members of society and the men will grow up and not be reckless