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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To lose sleep over this?

34 replies

JasmineAshley · 05/08/2013 21:26

So I'm going to London for a 4 month work placement and it's been a nightmare finding an affordable property in a decent area! In case you didn't know already, the rent in London is bloody expensive, especially for short lets :( I didn't want to live in zones 5-6 because of the commute, and central London is very,very,very expensive.

I finally found something in a central (and what I think is safe) area at a price that I have been told is reasonable for London.

After weeks of hunting, I've finally found a place to stay. Hurrah!

Maybe I enjoy worrying but I am still not happy. The flat has a top to bottom window on one wall that opens to a teeny, tiny garden (if you can call it that). It seems like a quiet and safe area, but I'm losing sleep over the possibility of a burglary, because I imagine that what is practically a glass wall might be an easy target. Blush

I've paid a deposit for the flat with this french window already, but the landlord said I could switch over to a different one if I wasn't happy. My other option is a basement flat which is much smaller and always dark.

(These are literally my only options due to time and money-related constraints right now.)

Am I overanalysing the situation? What do you think I should do?

OP posts:
WorraLiberty · 05/08/2013 21:29

Buy a small window alarm?

NutritiousAndDelicious · 05/08/2013 21:29

Hmmmmm honestly it's hard to say without knowing the area, some I'd say no problem, others I'd choose the basement, how are the locks on the door? Is there a curtain/blind/drapes so people can see in? Is the house burglar alarmed? How about upstairs/downstairs neighbours are they in daytime/nighttime? Is there alley access to the garden? Is it overlooked by other houses?

aldiwhore · 05/08/2013 21:32

It's very short term. I'd personally go with safety over a garden. But I'm a Country Mouse, so it would be a basement's cellar for me, with no windows at all. Not much help I know.

I'd go cheapest, safest...

Hope you get it sorted. Go with what will help you sleep the best.

PareyMortas · 05/08/2013 21:33

Which area of London?

TweenageAngst · 05/08/2013 21:37

Over-analysing it. Thousands of people in London have windows/French doors going out into a garden. I have and never been burgled in 25 years.

HollyBerryBush · 05/08/2013 21:40

I live in zone 6 and my commute to Cannon St or Charring X is 35 mins. To be fair I've only ever worked in walking distance of a mainline station but I dont think thats a bad commute. DH used to cycle it when he was young and fit

AcrylicPlexiglass · 05/08/2013 21:41

I've lived in different areas of London for 40 years and have never been burgled. It happens, obviously, but it's really not that common, honestly. Go for the nicer, lighter option.:)

whois · 05/08/2013 21:44

Defo over analysing, depends on the area and other things. What is the access into the garden like? what is near by? Is the garend hidden so someone could break in unwarched?

Probat be fine but might not. Keep you blinds drawn when you're not in so there are no MacBook pros on display. Buy insurance.

My DP vetoed EVERY ground floor flat when we were flat hunting on the basis of burglary risk which I thought was a bit excessive.

Twunk · 05/08/2013 21:45

I lived in battersea and managed to leave my garden door open for 3 days (2 nights). Not unlocked, actually open. And I lived alone. Most people in London are normal decent human beings you know! Just people.

omaoma · 05/08/2013 21:46

how is the garden accessed? that's probably more important than the size of the window. small alarm sounds useful if it's not a room you sleep in. what about this one? £15
Also make sure you sleep with your bag/computer in the bedroom with you and hidden well.
www.amazon.co.uk/Friedland-Response-MA2-Window-Alarm/dp/B001ZWJREC/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt
should think the landlord would cheer you on if he's not paying.

whois · 05/08/2013 21:47

I live in zone 6 and my commute to Cannon St or Charring X is 35 mins

Great. As long as you don't want to visit friends who actually love in london, or go anywhere else apart from work. You might as well love in Peterborough (only 45 mins!) or Banbury or something.

OP of you're only going to be there for 4 months defo get something central. Take small and shit and love in the best location you can afford and have an amazing four months of london!

OverTheFieldsAndFarAway · 05/08/2013 21:49

Could you get some kind of shutter or grill for that window?

bumblebeaver · 05/08/2013 21:51

We have rubbish security, always leaving things open, unlocked, etc. and have never been burgled. I'm not sure burglary is such big business these days - unless they target something they really want. It's not like they can flog your dvd player down the pub - everyone has this stuff.

I can't remember the last time someone I know in London got burgled and it used to be something you heard about quite often.

I would go for the garden flat - living somewhere always dark will get you down.

lastnightiwenttomanderleyagain · 05/08/2013 22:04

Agree that if you can mention which bit of London, you might get some advice.

I lived in London for 5 years and loved it. Now still work in London but live in naice country cottage 30 miles west. Totally agree that for four months you want to be central, the last thing you want to do is have to turn down invites as the trains are a pig!

lastnightiwenttomanderleyagain · 05/08/2013 22:05

Oh, and yes, definitely not the basement!

ChippingInHopHopHop · 05/08/2013 22:10

Stop worrying. London isn't The Big Scary Place people seem to think it is. Really.

Enjoy every bloody minute you are there. Live in the best place for night buses & the tube that you can and concentrate on having a brilliant time!

Is it possible you are worrying about this to stop you focussing on something else you are worried about??

Original poster
JasmineAshley · 05/08/2013 22:15

It's very central, quiet location. Some hotels around there too.

There are other flats overlooking the same garden. I'm not sure about access to the garden. It's one of those square ones with houses around it.

OP posts:
omaoma · 05/08/2013 22:25

if it's overlooked at all times and not accessible from the street isn't that safest possible? unless you're worried about the neighbours... can you ask the landlord if it was ever burgled before?

cozietoesie · 05/08/2013 22:31

I had top to bottom windows in a London flat and was OK for 5 years - until I left the place that it. It could be sensible, though, not to take Great Aunt Mildred's diamonds with you if you're just going for a 4 month placement because in a short lease, it's not worth investing in more serious security. Having only the basics in the place would probably make you feel better.

whois · 05/08/2013 22:34

Whichever you choose OP I hope you have an amazing four months.

Original poster
JasmineAshley · 05/08/2013 23:07

Thanks Grin I am excited because I studied in London for a year and I loved it. My favourite city ever! However, I was in student halls at the time and that is a completely different situation.

omaoma

I'm not sure if there is street access to the garden or not. I'm a little hazy on that. The landlord is actually my neighbour, and I doubt he will steal my stuff Grin

OP posts:
NeoMaxiZoomDweebie · 05/08/2013 23:28

You're focusing your general nerves on that window OP. If there was no window, then you'd be worrying about something else...something you couldn't change probably. You will be fine....booby trap the window but it's going to be fine!

TigerSwallowTail · 06/08/2013 00:04

Wouldn't the flat with the window out to the garden be safer in a fire than the basement flat?

Original poster
JasmineAshley · 06/08/2013 00:10

I hadn't thought about that! The ground floor flat will definitely be safer in fire.

I suppose I'll probably just get a good burglar alarm. Any other suggestions on how to secure the window?

OP posts:
namechangesforthehardstuff · 06/08/2013 00:32

I live in London and have not been burgled except by totally useless Burglary 101 failures who didn't get through the door. I have been burgled.in other cities. And mugged...

You don't need to make your house burglarproof. You just need to make sure.it's less of a target than next door. So that means stuff out of sight, an alarm, doors deadbolted...

And stuff's just stuff.

What about your route home from the tube\Nightbus? Is it well lit and well used? Will you get your smart new phone out of your pocket when you get above ground...