Photographing children

[maclarencat]

Can I ask for your opinion on this please? (constructive please) The other day my grandson aged 12 went to the local corner shop. The man behind the counter had fallen asleep so my grandson left again. When he went back later to buy a drink the man accused him of stealing saying he had seen him on his cctv. My grandson denied this and was very upset by it all. He came straight home and told us about it. While he was telling us his little sister (11) and her friend (13)were there and they said well he's weird anyway. When asked why they said that when they had been in the shop the previous week the man had asked if he could take pictures of her little sister (18months) she was a bit surprised and being only 11 agreed. He then went on to show her some pictures of other young children he had taken. It then came to light that he had also taken a picture of my youngest grandson(4yrs) as well. My daughter rang the community police officer asking him to check and make the man delete any pictures of her children. The police visited and the man was unable to provide an address and said he only worked there and also said he had left the camera phone at home (??) The police said they would call again the next night to look at the camera. When they did they say the man had again left it at home but informed my daughter they were not worried. Do you think this is right? The children have of course been told not to use the shop again

[Whickerman]

I think you've brought it to the police's attention, and they will be keeping a close eye on this. You are, of course, right to be cautious and I advise using another shop. I guess if he only works there that a letter to the owner may be in order. Usually I'm very loathe to jump to conclusions but I'll be straight with you here - I love my family and enjoy photos of them, but I can think of no reason that would cause me to take a photo of a stranger's child.

[maclarencat]

I did try to give him the benefit of the doubt telling my daughter perhaps he just thinks English children are lovely in the same way that when we are abroad we may admire the local children ( I would never dream of taking their pictures though) and I feel that the police should be a bit more concerned

[hc4361]

From a legal viewpoint, anybody can take photos of anyone else providing they are not trespassing to do so.
The exception is on private land where the owners have forbidden photography.
This is how the paparazzi are able to take covert photographs with very long lenses and publish the photos in the press.
So from a legal viewpoint this man has done nothing wrong - assuming the photos were not in any indecent. Your daughter can ask that the photos be deleted, but she has no right to demand it.

[maclarencat]

Thanks hc4361 that was what I thought. Thats why the police are probabally saying they arent concerned. I must say it may be lawful but it doesnt feel right.

[cassa333]

What reason has he given for taking these photos?

[sara3]

maybe it's not illegal but it's very odd.

I'd be having a word with local schools to let them know what's happening.

[bednobs]

my opinion is this is what you get for leaving an 11 year old in charge of an 18 month old!

[maclarencat]

Thankyou all for your input. Bednobs I have always valued your input on answerbank and understand your concern but the 11 year old wasnt in charge of the 18month old her friend was with them and she is nearly 14 but as it was the younger ones sister she was the one who said yes. Can I also say this is a very small village where everyone knows everyone else and indeed most of them are related! I will tell my daughter she may wish to notify the school the village children use but it is about 3miles from the village. He said he was building a portfolio of local children incase of theft but as the children concerned were under school age I dont think this is correct. Also the shop has cctv so there would be no need. The officer dealing with it is the community police officer and he is off duty until tuesday so we do not know what is now happening.