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AIBU?

To be spooked out?

100 replies

ShiftyLookingBadger · 19/09/2017 22:18

Don't know whether this is woo or criminal!

We moved into our new house 2 months ago (new build but ex-showhome, site was previously a field). It's a nice neighbourhood mostly, no major crime anyways.

However, 3 TIMES now our door chain looks like it has been forcibly strained, as in the metal ring on the door end has stretched massively out of shape as through it's been forced. This ring is NOT easy to force however, I can't bend it with my bare hands, my OH needs to use large pliers.
Now, the first time we thought it may have happened when our house was the show home so we just bent it back and carried on. Then it's happened twice more (the third time being tonight, hence this post!)

The weird thing is, the chain is ONLY ever on at night time, no other time. Which means that in theory for the chain to be forced someone would have had to get our door open!! But the other lock is not forced... I have now installed 2 extra bolts but I'm not sure when this last 'bending' happened, I only noticed it today but it's possible I might not have noticed immediately.

We only have 2 kids under the age of 2 so no drunk teens trying to get in or anything!

AIBU to shit my pants?? No idea what to make of it. Where's Jonathan Creek when you need him Confused

OP posts:
Justmuddlingalong · 19/09/2017 22:20

Have you changed the locks since moving in?

Trying2bgd · 19/09/2017 22:22

set up a camera?

SleepFreeZone · 19/09/2017 22:23

It does sound as though the person trying to force entry has a key

ShiftyLookingBadger · 19/09/2017 22:23

No muddling we haven't... Didn't think to since it wasn't owned by anyone before us apart from the developers Confused I'm starting to think I will, but I feel like I'm going mad!! If it happens again with these extra 2 bolts in place I will freak

OP posts:
Justmuddlingalong · 19/09/2017 22:27

It won't. But change the locks. Ive heard of new developments where the same keys/locks are used for numerous new houses on the estate.

angelsgirls · 19/09/2017 22:33

Could you be jamming it in the door when you close it and that has caused it to misshape

5foot5 · 19/09/2017 22:34

If you really want to freak yourself out read this novel! <a class="break-all" href="//www.amazon.co.uk/Pleasure-Calling-Phil-Hogan/dp/0857521888?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">A Pleasure and a Calling by Phil Hogan

Foxysoxy01 · 19/09/2017 22:42

I'm being thick but I can't work out how you mean the chain is being damaged?
Can you show a photo?
I imagine you are somehow getting it stuck in the door when you shut it?
I can't see how pushing against it would bend it, surely you would have to get something in the metal chain and twist it about to actually bend the metal and normally they are really thick links.
I really think it must be when you shut the door it's getting caught.

lionsleepstonight · 19/09/2017 22:44

I would get the locks changed. Front and back.

Biscusting · 19/09/2017 22:46

I'd be concerned about someone with a key trying to force entry. There would have been plenty of people on site who would have had access to a key prior to your purchase and no doubt an opportunistic thief may be trying his/her luck. Get the lock changed asap.

Failing that, get a camera installed so we can see the spirit of a sheep butting his way in vain into your house.

I'm kind of hoping for the latter. Post back and update us in the morning!

BenLui · 19/09/2017 22:49

I would change the locks asap. If someone has a key they can come and go as they please whenever the chain isn't on.

Longdistance · 19/09/2017 22:50

My first thought was someone has a key. Definitely get the locks changed, and report back.

Photo of the damaged chain would be good too Grin

123MothergotafleA · 19/09/2017 22:50

.

TheClacksAreDown · 19/09/2017 22:53

Change the locks. And add a deadbolt.

MadisonAvenue · 19/09/2017 22:54

I'd definitely be changing all locks asap.

StaplesCorner · 19/09/2017 22:57

me too I thought someone has a key, ring a locksmith tomorrow morning.

ShiftyLookingBadger · 19/09/2017 23:07

So excuse the crude artwork, I'm in bed and plan on staying here! Will get a pick in the morning...

To be spooked out?
OP posts:
Peanutbutterrules · 19/09/2017 23:08

I'd block the door with something heavy tonight and change the locks tomorrow.

highinthesky · 19/09/2017 23:09

Diagram! I can sleep well now Grin

ShiftyLookingBadger · 19/09/2017 23:09

I don't think it's getting caught in the door since its the doorframe-side that is pulled. It's fixed in place and doesn't detach (except at the moment as it's literally hanging off!)

OP posts:
MadamePomfrey · 19/09/2017 23:11

Change the locks developers give out keys to anyone and rarely get them back and if what pp said is true that's another issue!

sadiemm2 · 19/09/2017 23:11

Similar things happened to. My sister in her new build. I believe the builders on an. Adjacent phase were coming back to use the loo..or an estate agent.. .. She found skiddies in the loo.... Not hers Hmm she changed the locks and it all. Stopped

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themightybanhammer · 19/09/2017 23:12

Change the locks, as has been said in earlier posts someone has a key and is unlocking the door and trying to force the chain which is bending it, then they are giving up and locking it again in the hope you won't notice and won't have the chain on next time they try

BlondeB83 · 19/09/2017 23:14

Change the locks! On many new developments lots of doors have the same key.

BlondeB83 · 19/09/2017 23:15

Someone is definitely trying to get in with a key.

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