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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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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

OP posts:

eyebrowseyebrows · 20/09/2017 03:29

AlphaStation · 20/09/2017 04:35

A door chain shouldn't look like in your picture, it should be stiff like this: www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infdoor/i/swing-type-door-security-latch-sm.jpg I just learned it's called "door security latch" from Google. A chain... you know the saying about "the weakest link" and all that. Change it for a door security latch as soon as possible.

PeaceAndLove1 · 20/09/2017 04:35

Could either of you accidentally opened the door yourself with the chain still across, I've done this before myself, may have forced the chain link to open somewhat.

BitOutOfPractice · 20/09/2017 05:15

If I were you I'd get a proper locksmith in. They will be able to install a decent (secured by design, anti-bump, anti snap) lock and dirt your bolts out. They might also have some insight into what's been happening.

ophiotaurus · 20/09/2017 05:16

If you've had deadbolts out in it sounds like they are trying to get in when you're not at home.

RhiWrites · 20/09/2017 05:20

Always change the locks when you move into a new home. Every time.

You don't know who has keys to the house unless you're the one to give them out.

honeysucklejasmine · 20/09/2017 05:30

Well, I think I'll be changing the locks on our new build when we move in... Scary stuff.

MrsJamesAspey · 20/09/2017 07:21

Always change the locks when you move into a new home. Every time.

I've always done this, front doors and back, I'n surprised it's not the first thing people do when moving in.

Schroedingerscatagain · 20/09/2017 08:26

This happened on a new estate near me a few years ago. A colleague was broken into as were a number of neighbours as keys were duplicated

Change your locks
Contact your local police station, some will help with security advice
Alert your neighbours
Get a burglar alarm
You are without doubt being targeted

Imamouseduh · 20/09/2017 08:42

OP we need an update!

Msqueen33 · 20/09/2017 08:43

Do people change their locks to every house they move into?

Anecdoche · 20/09/2017 08:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BitOutOfPractice · 20/09/2017 08:49

If you've had deadbolts out in it sounds like they are trying to get in when you're not at home

Erm I don't think so. The chain won't be on when they're home will it?

Bratsandtwats · 20/09/2017 08:53

I know someone who moved into a new build (estate) and they were burgaled (sp?) one night.
So were other houses on the estate. Turned out one of the contractors employees had copies made of the keys.

Get your locks changed.

stroan · 20/09/2017 08:53

There were several break ins on our estate when we first moved into our new build. We were the only house with an alarm, the rest very quickly had alarms installed.

The builders had all the keys on big loop and went round in the morning opening the doors of the incomplete houses, then locking up again at night. But it definitely wasn't unconcievable that someone had a copy of a key - the sales woman handed us keys to finished houses on several occasions.

Dumbo412 · 20/09/2017 08:53

Just want to chime in with change locks, my husband is a site manager, he works freelance, and has worked for A LOT of home builders, he has inadvertently walked away with a lot of sets of house keys (he's pretty forgetful, doesn't even enter his mind he shouldn't have them as he leaves work with keys, they come out of his trouser pocket and go on/in the bedside table and it never enters his mind again) he hasn't walked away with any sinister intentions, but it does go to show that actually it's fairly easy for contractors to keep sets of keys.
When I moved into this house- we moved here because my husband was Site manager and oversaw the build of this house- his first SM job, he collected four sets of keys from contractors before we moved in.
I was quite relieved that none of the unsavoury characters on DHs site had access to our home use keys, as only six months before a break in occurred and all power tools etc were stolen off site. Most certainly happened because a member of staff gave out information.

outofmymind2 · 20/09/2017 09:00

Definitely get all locks changed!

We're moving next month - but into rented- doesn't anyone know if I can change the locks on a rented place? It's private not through an EA

Anecdoche · 20/09/2017 09:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

ShiftyLookingBadger · 20/09/2017 09:10

So, according to DP glass did not budge. Hurrah! Looking up locksmiths as we speak.

Could either of you accidentally opened the door yourself with the chain still across

I asked DP the same thing, although I know I haven't. He said he's sure he hasn't accidently forced it.

I'm still upstairs at the mo feeding the baby but will take a pic of the actual lock shortly! I'm also surprised they didn't install one of those 'stick' chain things instead of this flimsy one.

OP posts:

VanellopeVonSchweetz99 · 20/09/2017 09:20

Looking up locksmiths as we speak
Nice one, I've clicked refresh all morning.

DearMrDilkington · 20/09/2017 09:31

If your neighbours houses are all newly built as well I'd ask them if they're having the same problem.

Original poster

ShiftyLookingBadger · 20/09/2017 09:32

As much as it is a relief not to be murdered in our beds, I am a little nervous about being alone here during the day (am on mat leave) as none of the locks are on except the key lock . The other locks are off so that DM can let herself in if I'm otherwise indisposed (she picks up DD sometimes for toddler playgroups).

OP posts:

DearMrDilkington · 20/09/2017 09:37

If your anxious about being home alone, I'd put a pair of welly boots right outside the door so it looks like you've just got home from a walk. Should put any intruders off.

Myheartbelongsto · 20/09/2017 09:46

Very spooky op, glad you're getting locks changed.

There was a thread on here the other day where a woman was lying in bed and as a car went past its light lit up a silhouette of a man standing at her window!

Ifitquackslikeaduck · 20/09/2017 09:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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