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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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:
Original poster
ShiftyLookingBadger · 19/09/2017 23:15

Sad Think I may have the kids in our bed tonight!!! I hope our extra locks hold out, my OH is shit at DIY and he hasn't done them very well.

OP posts:
scoobydoo1971 · 19/09/2017 23:16

To be fair, kicking in a door involves an awful lot of noise. If you were in when someone was doing that, you would know about that. However, there have been stories in the media about robbers using all sorts to access the inside of the property. Don't get a security firm around as they will cost you a fortune. Get some CCTV stickers and a working camera off ebay (criminals know the dummy cameras). Get a decent alarm for the property from Maplin or a good supplier. It is very easy to change modern door locks and you can access the how to guides on youtube. Ebay supply cheap locks and I have fitted them myself...easy stuff, don't pay a locksmith!

Sandsunsea · 19/09/2017 23:17

Put a glass of sonething behind your door, if it's knocked over in the morning, you have a key owning wannabe intruder situation.

Foxysoxy01 · 19/09/2017 23:19

TBH after your diagram it does seem like someone is trying to force the door, you're right that the damage seems to be on the wrong side to be getting it caught in the door etc.

Change locks and if you are worried about tonight a heavy piece of furniture in front of the doors for now?
I presume you have bolted front and back doors?

Original poster
ShiftyLookingBadger · 19/09/2017 23:21

Thanks for the advice everyone. I will take action tomorrow but not sleep a wink tonight

Put a glass of sonething behind your door, if it's knocked over in the morning, you have a key owning wannabe intruder situation.
Love this idea!! Will ask OH to go put one there now (he's downstairs still playing playstation) Hmm

OP posts:
Original poster
ShiftyLookingBadger · 19/09/2017 23:25

It gets weirder... Just spoke to OH and he's convinced latch wasn't hanging off before today. Yet we have had the 2 extra deadbolts for a good couple of weeks

OP posts:
BenLui · 19/09/2017 23:30

Change the locks.

QueenBeex · 19/09/2017 23:36

make sure you update us in the morning so we know if the glass got knocked over! But I think you'll be fine tonight, just be safe and change locks tomorrow.

ItchyFoot · 19/09/2017 23:36

I thought new doors didn't have actual chains anymore. They're more like a metal loops that goover a knob on the door.

VanellopeVonSchweetz99 · 19/09/2017 23:37

OK I need a nervous poo now.
Hope you get some sleep OP!

steliosdisappeared · 19/09/2017 23:47

Placemarking!

PovertyPain · 19/09/2017 23:52

If it's dry, sprinkle drop of talc outside your door. You'll see footprints if it's an attempted break in.

DoomGloomAndKaboom · 20/09/2017 00:03

Could a toddler be pulling on the chain in the daytime, when it's just hanging down?

I do think you should change the locks though.

Blahblahboo · 20/09/2017 00:11

My old house in Scotland had a ghost that would open the stair cupboard and he ( it was an old man in a brown 70s suit) even opened my brother's window . You know, the handle type. Haha should have heard em scream and cry. Apparently I also had a teddy that would snore even though it had no battery pack in . My mum threw it away lol

ladybirdsarelovely33 · 20/09/2017 00:12

I used to be an estate agent and would advise all new home owners to change the locks and the loo seats once they get their place. You don't know if any builders etc have keys.

MaryPoppinsPenguins · 20/09/2017 00:32

Definitely do the water thing!

EBearhug · 20/09/2017 00:40

ladybirds - locks I understand, but why the loo seats?

Theresnonamesleft · 20/09/2017 00:42

Change the locks. No need to call out a lock smith. You can pick up the barrels from diy places and they are really easy to replace.

torthecatlady · 20/09/2017 00:46

I still haven't changed the locks on our not new build house after 2.5 years! Keep meaning to. Some great ideas on here. Hope you have an uneventful night OP!!

NameChangeFamousFolk · 20/09/2017 01:02

Someone's trying to force their way in at night? Flipping 'eck, OP. Are your windows all locked? Report back tomorrow!

TitaniasCloset · 20/09/2017 01:44

Put water in the glass too. Oh how scary!!

But once you change the locks you should be much safer.

Birdshitbridgegotme · 20/09/2017 02:12

Defo sounds like someone has a key and trying their luck that you haven't out the chain on!

lawnofdelray · 20/09/2017 02:22

This has actually terrified me

Londoncheapo · 20/09/2017 02:32

No need to actually kick a door in. Leaning and pushing heavily could be responsible for the damaged chain--this could have happened quite quietly while everyone was in bed. Deffo change locks!!

Leilaniii · 20/09/2017 03:19

Ive heard of new developments where the same keys/locks are used for numerous new houses on the estate.

This is true. You are meant to change them when you take ownership.

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