Prunella_Gatsby

Its good that you reported that suspicious looking person to the Police, i imagine he was up scouting out an empty property or easy target at that time of night!

From your description , he sounds like one of those drug addicts or East European Roma Gypsies, up to no good.

Sorry to hear about your missing wellies.

I'm not at all surprised that things go missing in broad daylight, let alone at night!

If its not bolted/secured and nailed down , then those thieving little scumbags will have it.

I do hope your little 6 year old was'nt too upset, as it can be quite distressing.

Well you need to read my post carefully then, it was a pointed example of bad and menacing behaviour amongst particular sections of our society....

Thankyou 'Uncleglen' for pointing out that typing error... Is that the only thing you can manage to comment on?

Yes these young male hoodie type characters (black or white) are a menace to society.

I'm forever having altercations with one or another on the street, as i don't give way to horrid behaviour. I am disabled with a walking stick and an older lady, let me tell you - they give way!

The young girls following them are no better, they seem to think being in a 'gang' is a badge of honour - that is until they become victims of abuse themselves from these criminal male hoodlums.

Do not be afraid, treat them with the same distain they treat society with.

Unfortunately JF we live in uncertain times and the criminals seem to get the upper hand via Justice system etc... but don't despair! your not alone and being a victim of crime only gives one more resolve,if you become frightened and change your personality then they have won - don't let them!

Be aware of your surroundings and act accordingly, walk purposefully and with confidence, so any low-life will think twice about attempting anything.

Above all, try to move on and enjoy life : )

Yes those young black male hoodlum hoodies do tend to get on their bikes and search for an easy opportunity, whether it be an empty house or a vulnerable person (but usually do it in gangs, as they are basically cowards) - don't give them any chances! I had my mobile phone snatched by one of them on a bike a couple of years ago in broad daylight ago and now i don't speak on my phone in public if i can help it.

It must have been a terrible experience for you, its a good thing you managed to get away and reported it to the Police -hopefully they'll get their comeuppance at some point!

Yes i agree you have to be on the cautious side over Christmas take heed to any warnings.

Thankyou for reminding us all!

Its amazing how many people just walk out the door without a second thought about security.

What a horrid thing to happen, i hope she is alright - usually Taxi firms drop one right outside their froent door and then wait (especially if it is a lone woman late at night) to enter their front door?

More CCTV and vigilance is needed.

Thats the very reason people shut their shutters/curtains because of perverts/potential burglar like you peering in!

Oh thats good news that Dulwich Hamlet is safe, its always worrying when you overhear things...!

Not sure if its true but i heard a rumour in Sainsburys the other day that Dulwich Hamlet FC might be shutdown by its owners and turned into a new housing complex. Can anyone shed any light on this, is it true?

So sorry to hear about your lovely cat, it is sad when something sudden like that happens. Its nice that there were wonderful people around to look after the cat after she was hit by car, it restores ones faith in humans!

Hopefully the owner of the hit and run car can/will be traced and prosecuted for reckless driving and for not stopping at the scene of an accident.

Hope your able to have another cat sometime soon.

I'm just appalled at the senselessness and thuggery of some people.

I hope your boyfriend is o.k, you should really report it the Police as someone else may have already gone to Ploice to report the incident and could be a witness.

I think the 2 men were 'parading' their big dogs, i see this often when i walk my little dog in various parks. Incidents have occurred to me too and i'm a small size petite pensioner!

Lets all keep an eye out for these guys and report any incidents in future straightaway.

Yes crime can be scary and off putting to a particular area, but you must put things into context, Dulwich is actually classified as a low crime area,compared to other parts of London, even posher areas like Chelsea/Kensington have a higher crime level!

I would just make sure you don't give a burglar/criminal a chance, make them think twice before they commit a crime on your property by e.g burglar alarm/cctv/windows properly locked etc. - Most burglars are opportunistic.

Stay vigilant and look out for your neighbours homes and vulnerable persons in your street and you will be reciprocated in kind.

It never ceases to amaze me at the bravado and sheer arrogance of these despicable low-life criminals, stooping so low as to steal from blind people!

I hope it didn't traumatise the occupants too much. As i know from experience, it can stay in one's mind for months if not longer.

Thats very easy Alan Medic, i have 2 dogs ( i would have thought that would have been obvious to a person of your intelligence....) i assume i am allowed to have 2 dogs! : )

Anyway, JulieP i really understand how you feel, its bad enough seeing a big rat outside your house, but inside is another matter! i was looking at the link provided by pebblebeach - about the young child attacked in her cot by a large rat. I would have thought the cat would have pounced on it, but sounds like the cat was afraid or unsure.

I was walking with my little Poodle, Tilly, in Peckham Rye Park, down towards the playground and cafe, then out of the blue this huge dirty dishevelled rat bounded out of the bushes! i did'nt know who got the bigger shock, Me, Tilly or the rat! I couldn't believe how big it was!

It was at least 1 and half time to two foot long - with quite big yellow incisors, its looked scruffy but well fed and i'm sure there are plenty more of its type as they are i believe very communal creatures. Aren't they suppose to be hibernating in the winter, or are they all weather creatures?

I was more worried for the small children running around, as it could easily have taken a small child down! It looked very mean and athletic.It could have jumped on me easily as i am disabled, elderly and with a walking stick...

Have any one else seen similar in the area?

My gosh Randombloke, that was a coincidence being shown Poison Ivy amongst Nettles - thats exactly what happened to me when i got poisoned. Must be more common than i thought....

Yes a lesson learnt indeed!.

Thankyou all for your messages of support and concern, i have taken points made by individuals and will now be even more careful.

Apparently yes, Poison Ivy does grow in the U.K.

It hasnt put me off foraging though - i'll just be a bit more alert and careful in future.

P.s i always leave plenty and put out special fatty foods for our wildlife and fauna to sustain them through the winter.

Thankyou all.

I'm one of those mature ladies that grew up in the 50's when rationing was just finishing after the wars and one thing i kept was foraging for natural abundant foods.

I like to look for mushrooms in Dulwich Park and Nettles/Borage on Rye Park. I come across a few people who do the same.

But just a word of warning to everyone contemplating this... i accidentally pickedup some poison ivy with a bunch of nettles, went home made a nettle brew and was not well afterwards.

I was rushed to Kings C Hospital where they identified i'd poisoned myself!

I felt such a fool and should have known better and to have checked every last leaf....

It has'nt stopped my appetite for foraging natural foods which would otherwise have gone to waste, alot of fruit trees are ready for harvest, so please be careful what you pick!

Yes i have met the same owner on few occasions when i walk my Springer Spaniel, the first time she was rude with me i gave her short shrift back! now she's fine with me and does'nt bother me or my dog....!

As many people are pre-occupied with the Jubilee festivities, its important that they are also vigilant and keep themselves and their houses safe.

My neighbour saw suspicious looking people knocking on doors (in broad daylight), whilst most of residents were at a local street party....

Burglars need no excuse, but with people also being away for the Bank Hols its important to be aware.

I think that would be a great opportunity for residents to discuss crime and other matters - it would be good if a police and council representative also turned up.......