Has anyone seen an old (as in model not condition) white, five seater ( two side windows and closed back) ford transit, with a green stripe, driven by two men?

My 12 year old son was walking along the road near our house and the van drove past him, Carvoeiro Lagoa direction. They shouted something at him as they drove past, turned round at the petrol station and drove back down the road. As they got to where my son was they slowed down, he had the sense to hide up a drive way, then went on towards Carvoeiro. They obviously drove around the village and back towards Lagoa, slowing down again where they had seen him. I asked Marco who was working at the petrol station if he had seen them and if he recognised them, he saw the van but didn't know them which probably means they're not from here.

After thinking about it and seeing how frightened my son was, I decided to go to the GNR, the officer was very helpful and said I'd made the right decision in going to them and they'd keep an eye out for the van.

Things of this nature don't happen very often here, but once in a while something happens to make us sit up and realise that times are changing. This time it was my son and thank goodness nothing happened.

Next time I might not be so lucky.

So if anyone has noticed the van driving round Carvoeiro please take the registration number and give it to the police or to who ever is working in the shop at the petrol station.



Oh, and before you all start telling me he shouldn't be out on his own , I didn't know he'd gone out (he was meeting some friends), and I ALWAYS tell them to keep together in a group, never to walk about on their own

How absolutely terrifying for your boy B F D!
And those of us who are parents will know full well how you must and are still feeling!
So glad you got good co-operation from the GNR..and please God they catch these fiends (I could use a worse word ) before they can do it again and as you say..the next child may not be so lucky
This thing about letting your child out alone?
I recall going through all that when my 3 were growing up.But you cannot wrap your child in cotton wool..there comes a time when you have to let them become'street wise' and Im sure youre a very loving sensible Mum BFD..and again..as you say advise that he stays with group of friends..something I always impressed on my 3!
Lets hope they catch'em! ..........elliex

Thanks for your kind words Ellie, I hope it comes to nothing but it was all very strange. The reason I went to the police and posted my message was the fact it scared him, he even wanted the door locked whilst we were having dinner, which is most unusual for him

By the way he doesn't think they are Portuguese because he didn't understand what they said

Thats ok BFD! and can fully understand your feelings and your son's
I do empathise with you on this one.
Had a couple scares with my own kids(all adults now)..
one that turned out serious and I cannot go into it on here as too distressing..man was never caught..
and my blood runs cold at the thought of how many innocents that beast went on to abuse.
Afraid I cannot find any sympathetic feeling at all for these creatures--the worst sin in this world is abuse against our children.
Hope your lad soon gets over this trauma--trouble is..once scared in that way..itll take a while
Just have to be patient and Im afraid..ever watchful
love elliex

I can remember when my son was about 3 or 4, he'd got to the stage were he didn't want to go into the Ladies with his mum.This particular day he needed the toilet, so I let him in the Gents, while I waited outside. A few minutes later a seedy looking man went inside,next thing I knew, my son started screaming and crying,"Mum, help me, get me out", I ran in the toilets with my umbrella ready to attack the villian,shouting "leave him alone" Only to find my son had locked himself in the cubicle,and the "seedy looking man" was trying to open the door for him. Ok, so an innocent explanation, but you can never be to carefull. Hope they get the men in the van, so glad your son is ok.children are so precious.

I can remember how difficult little boys can be when they get to that age
You have to let them go to the loo on their own sometimes, but yes it is a worry. You gave me a good laugh though, I could imagine you wading in with you'r brolly.

Old white vans, sounds like the gypsies to me. They come and go at the end of August for the local fair (see last years posts). They are a tough crowd and even the GNR will stay well away if they can. A close knit community that can will disappear overnight at the drop of a hat.

An eight year old girl has been missing since 11/09/2004 from Figueira, Portimão. The police think she may have been kidnapped, they are also keeping a close eye on family and the population of Figueira, there's no sign of the poor little girl.

I dont know if its same in Portugal..but in the UK 9 times out of 10 its someone the child knows..family..friend.neighbour.
These evil people are in all walks of life ..church..schools..carehomes for kids...social services...judges etc..
The very thought of that poor little girl in the hands of these demons truly makes the blood run cold and one cannot imagine the terror that kiddie may be going through.
I pray she is found soon.That shes alive and well.Maybe a vain hope..but lets hope so.
God bless her.