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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to ask the council to be moved

41 replies

cmlover · 17/06/2018 13:15

on the 13th I disturbed a burglary at my flat, complete luck that I came home early that day, as normally I'd be at work all day.

any way they heard me or saw me coming and legged it but I bumped into them on the stair way flat (just out side my flat)

the police have logged and took finger prints

the men have been in the flat building every day since, yesterday actually sitting out side my flat door. the police have come each time, they know what they look like where they are staying at the moment.. 10 doors up from me. but yet they havnt done any thing, they walk around with out a care in the world.

they are druggies come down from London to push drugs and I believe that is why they keep coming back to my flat apartment to set up a base to sell from

I can't send my kids out to play as there scared of them, they can't get to school and I can't get to work with out walking past them or the place they are staying at ( a known druggies house)

iv had a new door a d lock but we just don't feel safe living here no more. I hate coming home and wondering if there sat in the steps or by my flat.
I want to ask the council to move us but I also feel really stupid for being so scared of them and that the council will laugh at me for even asking.

so would ibu to ask for a move?

OP posts:
Butterflykissess · 17/06/2018 13:17

how do you know them?

Original poster
cmlover · 17/06/2018 13:20

how do i know who? the burglars..because I bumped into them as they came out.

hiw do I know there drug dealers? because iv seen them talking to known druggies and have been seen in and out of a known drug dealers house. I don't do drugs or associate with oeople like that but it's common knowledge who does drugs and who sells them

OP posts:
ijustwannadance · 17/06/2018 13:21

Is main door to flats not locked? Who is letting them in?

Butterflykissess · 17/06/2018 13:22

im just thinking why they would be targetting you? seems rather random? and why the police arent doing much?

Original poster
cmlover · 17/06/2018 13:22

we've had a lot if London drug pushers in our tow the past couple of months, just 2 weeks a go there was an incident where two London guys stabbed a local man in broad day light not that far away from my street.
we live in a quite town but drugs and crime are going up quick.

OP posts:
Original poster
cmlover · 17/06/2018 13:25

I don't know why, maybe they saw me and my dad carrying a telly in a couple if days ago, which is what they where after as they had unplugged every thing including my Xbox and DVD player

the entrance is that secure all you have to do is push it, and trade button works most the day.
iv spoken to the council and there going to fix it at some point.

I don't know why the police arnt doing anytbing. maybe there holding of because they are being monitored for something else . I really don't know

OP posts:
WalkingOnAFlashlightBeam · 17/06/2018 13:25

You could ask but seeing as they’ve not actually been charged with a crime against you, I doubt the council will do anything.

So you can either stay or if you do want to move, find somewhere yourself and rent privately.

SluttyButty · 17/06/2018 13:26

I can't remember the actual name of this type of crime but it's becoming increasingly common, as in big city dealer type people going to small towns and taking over someone's house.

Is it possible the police are building an undercover op?

Butterflykissess · 17/06/2018 13:27

i live in london (and not a very nice part) and never had anything like this. you can ask but i expect you be low priority and waiting years.

Original poster
cmlover · 17/06/2018 13:29

it's called cock cooing? something like that and have heard of a few incidents like this happening in town.

If I could afford to priviet rent i would.

OP posts:
MsChanandlerBoing · 17/06/2018 13:30

It’s called county lines - usually drug dealers/gangs in London exploit at risk youth to go and sell drugs in small towns

SilverHairedCat · 17/06/2018 13:32

Cuckooing. Very common, but they can only take over a flat if they are granted entry and the tenant is complicit - usually they are a drug user and are being paid in drugs. Its not usually done as a burglary.

When you say burglary, was access gained or access attempted to your home? Or are they staying in the communal areas?

patphelan · 17/06/2018 13:33

It's called cuckooing and they usually target vulnerable adults, usually with some difficulties, and they take over the house whilst making out they are being friendly so the homeowner/tenant doesn't ask them to leave.

This happened to a man I know, he suffered brain damage as an adult and needs some support. A group of junkies befriended him and started visiting, making him soup and tapes and buying him toy cars which he loved. Eventually it was reported by neighbours who suspected dealing. Police found the house to be a crackden and drugs factory. the man who lived in the house was found very distressed, underweight and covered in cigarette burns. How nobody noticed before then I don't know. They gain trust then take over. It's awful and something I'm so glad I managed to move

Original poster
cmlover · 17/06/2018 13:34

they got into my flat, via the letter box, and attempted to take my telly. they had unplugged all the wires and leads to the tell ya in the living room and my kids bedroom
the Xbox and DVD player to. they didn't actually take a trying as I came home and disturbed them.

I don't think they are trying to take over my flat but maybe the druggies flat theve been seen at.

OP posts:
Butterflykissess · 17/06/2018 13:36

oh right ive heard of that happening in maidstone. didnt realise they took over peoples houses though so apologies for assuming you knew them!

SilverHairedCat · 17/06/2018 13:40

Phone the police and the council every time you see them in the building. Seriously. Tell them you believe they are trying to commit theft and burglary, and that you know then to be drug users as well.

VioletCharlotte · 17/06/2018 13:41

There's a lot of this going on where I live, it's called county lines. Cuckooing is where men (druggies) move in with someone vulnerable (usually single Mums) and take over the property, turning it into a drug den. Is it a HA properly? Definitely speak to them of you don't feel safe and discuss what they can do to help.

patphelan · 17/06/2018 13:41

Sorry I should have said - neighbours houses started getting broken into and that's how they ended up with police involvement.

Is there anybody in your area who you think they are connected to?

Original poster
cmlover · 17/06/2018 13:46

yeah there's two main drug dealers in my road a d theve been seen with them.

iv told the police where and What they are staying with. iv phoned the police every single time theve been In my apartment area. they come chase and look for them but there still there walking round nor scared or nervouse about the police. which is what scares me. they don't give a dam.

iv been on to ha theve given me a new different lock. a d are going to sort the doors down stairs. but that could take 3 to 7 weeks as they havnt put the doors dow stairs as an emergency even though iv told them they keep coming back

OP posts:
Original poster
cmlover · 17/06/2018 13:53

iv also seen them talking two brothers that live together who are drunks. and arnt known for doing drugs but are vulnerable.

my mind just goes into to over drive and my heart goes every time I see them

OP posts:
Cornettoninja · 17/06/2018 14:21

You can always ask, I wouldn't pin my hopes on it though.

It might be worth a call to shelter or a visit to the citizens advice bureau. Your situation sounds awful, I hope you find a way out of there soon.

borlottibeans · 17/06/2018 14:30

Might be worth getting in touch with your local councillor - they will be able to speak to the department responsible for making the main entrance to the flats secure and get this taken more seriously. Point out to them that you were the victim of a crime and are now scared to leave your home because the people suspected of the break in are still hanging around in the communal hallway.

kikashi · 17/06/2018 14:34

No harm in asking. Could you advertise for an exchange? Keep on at the council to get the main doors made more secure. Horrible situation for you to be in.

Original poster
cmlover · 17/06/2018 16:16

iv been trying to exchange, no one wants to swap to a flat.

I'll talk to the council and even if I can just move up a band That would be something

OP posts:
OfDragonsDeep · 17/06/2018 16:23

Do you live in Ipswich? If so, keep reporting it, it's horrible, but they keep saying that they're cracking down on it. Feel for you Flowers