PDA

View Full Version : Gas/Electric meter readers


Domestic Goddess
07-04-05, 04:03 PM
:angry:
I thought I'd share an item that was reported on BBC1's Watchdog this week as it shocked me and I feel that everyone should be aware of it.

Apparantly a mother allowed a genuine meter reader into her home and left him alone in a room with her 4 year old daughter for around 15 seconds, while she fetched something. It was only later that her daughter told her that the man had touched her knickers. The police were called and it turns out that the man in question (who was arrested) had a previous criminal record for paedophile activities.

The point is that meter readers are not police checked like teachers or scout leaders etc as they are not considered to be working with children.. However, if they have ID we allow them into our homes without a second thought and this gives them the opportunity to come into contact with kids.

I'd just like to remind all parents here to make sure that they never leave delivery men/meter readers etc alone with their children at all. Please, please be careful.

As a mum, things like this turn my stomach. I know this board doesn't endorse vigilante behaviour but.....grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!! I'm sure you can imagine my thoughts!!

Bod
07-04-05, 04:09 PM
Its probably the tip of an iceburg...



bod :nfh1: :rant: :nfh1:

Eeyore
07-04-05, 04:27 PM
I saw this on Watchdog - disgustung :angry:

Mind you, there is no way I'd let anyone into my house and leave them in a room unattended, they could be up to anything at all

rb2002
08-04-05, 02:11 PM
:o Shocking

Beth
08-04-05, 03:40 PM
Yep :( we saw this and it produced quite a discussion in our house hold.
I do not have children but the number of times I am alone in the house when a meter reader or workman etc come into your home....... ummm

In the future I think I will always have my mobile in my pocket if anyone comes in and I am alone.

like you say DG, we look at their ID, and thats when we actually check, and then in they come

A reminder for everyone. thanks for raising it :flowers:

Annabel
08-04-05, 03:56 PM
:badmood: How hideous!

I supose we should all assume that any stranger who comes into our house could be up to no good, no matter what ID they have, and take precautions accordingly.

Neighboured
09-04-05, 10:27 PM
Apparantly a mother allowed a genuine meter reader into her home and left him alone in a room with her 4 year old daughter for around 15 seconds, while she fetched something.

Why?

Remote access meter reading is becoming more common, thank goodness.

Beth
09-04-05, 10:54 PM
it seemed that she was getting ready to take her to nursery and it was an early morning reading, the little girl was in the play room which is where the meter was.

Neighboured
10-04-05, 02:10 AM
Just goes to show how careful parents have to be! :sad:

Eeyore
10-04-05, 09:56 AM
We should all be careful :)

stoker
13-04-05, 11:19 PM
missed watchdog - but i'm glad i read this :bigeyes: