How A Mum's Ultra-Realistic Baby Dolls Caused Police Misunderstanding

A mother of three, Ava Prior, found herself in an unusual predicament when her realistic 'reborn' dolls prompted a police intervention. Mistaking one of Ava's dolls for an abandoned child, officers smashed her front door, resulting in over £400 worth of damages.

Ava, residing in Malvern, Worcestershire, creates and sells ultra-realistic 'reborn' dolls as a hobby. These dolls, meticulously crafted to resemble real babies, can fetch prices of up to £180 each. However, a recent incident turned her passion into an unexpected ordeal.

A Costly Misunderstanding: The Aftermath of Police Rescue

In December, Ava completed a lifelike doll, dressed it in a snowsuit, and placed it in a carrycot for online sales photos. Leaving the doll on the floor with the lights off, she headed to a friend's house with her youngest son, unaware of the unfolding drama at her residence. 

While Ava was away, her mother, unable to reach her daughter and fearing the worst, contacted the police. Concerned for what they thought was an abandoned baby, West Mercia Police went to Ava's house and, in a mix-up, forcefully entered to 'rescue' the doll, causing significant damage in the process.

The Unseen Consequences: Emotional Toll and Financial Strain

Reflecting on the incident, Ava expressed the initial shock and subsequent humour, acknowledging the unintentional chaos caused by her lifelike creations. The aftermath, however, left her with financial burdens, including £350-£400 in repair costs for her doors and windows.

Preventing Future Panics: Mum Takes Precautions with Window Stickers

In an effort to avoid a repeat of the misunderstanding, Ava created stickers for her windows, explicitly stating the presence of reborn dolls in her home. The signs aim to prevent any unwarranted panic or door-breaking incidents, offering reassurance to concerned passersby.

Police Confirmation

West Mercia Police confirmed that officers entered Ava's home due to a report of concern for welfare. Despite the unintended consequences, the police's actions were driven by a genuine desire to ensure the safety of what they believed to be a potentially abandoned child.

Ava Prior's unintentional encounter with law enforcement sheds light on the fine line between art and reality. The incident highlights the need for increased awareness about realistic doll-making hobbies and serves as a cautionary tale for both creators and law enforcement in navigating such delicate situations.