Last Friday just as we were about to leave treco bay static park at Porthcawl, I noticed a helicopter buzzing over head and then a few mins later heard a police message informing us that an 11 year old and a 2 year old plus the baby sitter were missing.
As we prepared to leave I said to the wife that we might not be allowed to leave the park as obviously a large scale police operation was in progress.
But how wrong was I.
I was able to drop the caravan key in a box at reception without either question from the staff or the presence of a police officer ( no one in attendance). Then we drove un-challenged out of the park.
I must be a "rocket scientist" but to me a simple containment would of been to vet all those leaving as a precaution as a minimum. Just one officer could of managed that with assistance from the on park security.
Having been through a simlar situation ourselve's when our daughter (who was 3 at the time) decided to play hide and seek amongst the clothes racks in a M&S in Exeter, we know only too well how you feel when a child is missing. Our experience only lasted for half an hour and that seemed like a week. But the shop staff were marvelous. They posted people at each exit to query people leaving with children and also others searched the store. Needless to say we were eternally greatful for the help and the safe return of our daughter.
Following that we bought a wrist band and kept an even closer eye on what madam was doing. I think she also frightened herself as she never did that again either.
We have brought up our family to understand the importance of keeping us informed of where your going and expected return times. But even with all that and the use of mobile phones you can still run into trouble.
I don't wish to put people off at all, but as nice as camp sites are. You should be aware that unless your caravanning with family/friends, you don't realy know who you are pitched next to.
I do have to stress that in the 24 years that we have been caravanning we HAVE NOT met anyone yet who would give us cause for concern. Also in the same vein, we have met a lot of people who are helpfull and pleasant to talk to.
Steve L.
As we prepared to leave I said to the wife that we might not be allowed to leave the park as obviously a large scale police operation was in progress.
But how wrong was I.
I was able to drop the caravan key in a box at reception without either question from the staff or the presence of a police officer ( no one in attendance). Then we drove un-challenged out of the park.
I must be a "rocket scientist" but to me a simple containment would of been to vet all those leaving as a precaution as a minimum. Just one officer could of managed that with assistance from the on park security.
Having been through a simlar situation ourselve's when our daughter (who was 3 at the time) decided to play hide and seek amongst the clothes racks in a M&S in Exeter, we know only too well how you feel when a child is missing. Our experience only lasted for half an hour and that seemed like a week. But the shop staff were marvelous. They posted people at each exit to query people leaving with children and also others searched the store. Needless to say we were eternally greatful for the help and the safe return of our daughter.
Following that we bought a wrist band and kept an even closer eye on what madam was doing. I think she also frightened herself as she never did that again either.
We have brought up our family to understand the importance of keeping us informed of where your going and expected return times. But even with all that and the use of mobile phones you can still run into trouble.
I don't wish to put people off at all, but as nice as camp sites are. You should be aware that unless your caravanning with family/friends, you don't realy know who you are pitched next to.
I do have to stress that in the 24 years that we have been caravanning we HAVE NOT met anyone yet who would give us cause for concern. Also in the same vein, we have met a lot of people who are helpfull and pleasant to talk to.
Steve L.
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