johnrennie

We've just used Aaron and I'd strongly recommend him. Excellent plasterer. Not the cheapest but very tidy and quick – so good value for money. He cleaned up well and a nice bloke too. Aaron Manser 07773 410661

Perhaps thieving was a bit strong ... I was very annoyed last night. Let's just say 'seriously opportunistic' and not bothering about the niceties. It was an open-top truck with scrap on it according to my younger son ... so I think we can be certain they WEREN'T charity collectors, but I should move on. But I do remember a friend having their buggy pinched from the front garden in Friern Road a few years back, and somebody else had some kids' shoes nicked from out the front - now that is tight!

No, just moved, and in a constant process of shifting stuff about. That's what I love about forums though, plant the seed and people start developing their own stories :>

And I'd back up what somebody said, oh so long ago at the start of this thread. As a cyclist, you feel uncomfortable sometimes ringing at someone - as THAT can startle them and it does feel a little like 'get out of my way'. You try to do the gentle ring, but it's quite hard to work nuance into the peal of a cycle bell. I've tried that and had people yelling abuse in return ... often people who have walked into the road in front of me. One of the problems is the assumption that cyclists are not pedestrians and drivers also. Most of us are all of those things, and possibly dog owners too. It's not about cyclists or pedestrians or drivers, it's about everyone accepting they have to work round everyone else in the friendliest way possible - isn't always easy.

There's also the point that they quite obviously WEREN'T charity collectors ... though a child wouldn't know that. So coming on to somebody's property, taking stuff without the permission of the homeowner (and suggesting falsely to a child that they're collecting for charity) - yes I think that qualifies as theft.

No, they asked if it was 'for charity' and he, a child, said yes, because he didn't quite understand and was intimidated by two adults - and afterwards was very upset. And they didn't have to take his word, they could have asked if there was an adult in the house. I wouldn't have done that ... would you? So I'm not sure, Loz, which bit is 'unbelievable' - I'd save your moral indignation for a more deserving cause. It was just intended as a warning to other people.

A cautionary tale. I left a load of clothes and shoes in bags by my front door this morning (too long and boring to explain why). My 11-year-old son answered a knock on the door from somebody who asked 'Are these for charity'. Gawd bless him he said yes, and half our wardrobe disappeared. I won't pollute the forum with what I think of chancing b***** who'd take the word of a child rather than ask to speak to an adult, but I'd point out that these WEREN'T on the street and there was no indication they were going to be dumped, so I'd advise people to be careful.