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Original poster

Freaked out

408 replies

whereareallmyhairbands · 07/11/2019 02:06

I'm not feeling well today, and having trouble sleeping.
Whilst laying in bed thinking, I heard a strange noise downstairs. I thought the cat might have brought home a mouse etc so I pop downstairs and have a look. Can't see anything or any sign of cat. Check the back door and the cat flap is open, all the way, stuck open.
So I shut it, and as I turn out the kitchen light the house phone rang!!!
My goodness it scared me - but because no good calls come at night I answered phone. No one there initially, and then i hear a tv with what sounds like a scary film playing in the background.

I've hung up and put the phone handset and base on mute downstairs.

I'm now upstairs writing this message so I don't feel so alone!!!!

OP posts:
Pussinboots25 · 09/11/2019 10:32

Just a possibility, but maybe someone is trying to scare you enough so you stay out the house like suggested above and they can break in? It may just be completely random but so scary for you xxx

VignetteStonemoss · 09/11/2019 10:37

This is really horrible. Is there anything odd that's happened prior to the first night you posted here? It just seems so peculiar that it's gone from zero to a number of quite significant instances in a matter of days. I'm wondering if other things could have been happening prior to this but you attributed them to some entirely innocent explanation, or they were easily explained away?

TheMidasTouch · 09/11/2019 10:41

"Just a possibility, but maybe someone is trying to scare you enough so you stay out the house like suggested above and they can break in? It may just be completely random but so scary for you"
If it is a random it is someone who knows the OP's name and has looked up her telephone number. Anyone who thought a home was a potentially easy burglary target could find out who lives there from the Electoral Register and then lookup their telephone number but would they really go to that effort?

I think it far more likely it is someone who knows OP and interesting it has happened when your DS is at uni so you are alone.

Lifeisabeach09 · 09/11/2019 10:44

Not sure if this was mentioned on this thread or another but:
www.adt.co.uk/home-security-products/packages/smart-home
If I was living alone in a house, I'd see about getting an alarm system. (I don't work for them.)

Oppopotomouse · 09/11/2019 10:46

Has your DS changed his social media to indicate he's at university? Could that be how your ex knows? Maybe change it to a local university.

LadyFlumpalot · 09/11/2019 10:55

Can you go away for the weekend? Maybe go to stay at a friends or a B&B? Leave your car at home so it looks like you are still there, ask for a pickup from town, or ask your son to drop you off - at least that way your (potential) stalker will carry on stalking an empty house and you can get some sleep?

Or, ask a male friend/neighbour to housesit? A strange man answering the phone/door at 3am pissed off because they've been woken up should help discourage someone who's stalking you?

Ginnymweasley · 09/11/2019 10:55

Hopefully the police are helpful. This is really creepy. The cameras are a great idea.

pollypocket952 · 09/11/2019 10:58

So sorry to read this OP Thanks

I would be calling a security firm & arranging installation of motion sensor floodlights & cctv / house alarm IMMEDIATELY.
Maybe turn off the answerphone function to prevent giving whoever it is the opportunity to scare you like this, they know exactly what they are doing!

goldpendant · 09/11/2019 11:00

Ring doorbells would solve this for you instantly- they're a bit pricey but you'd know who was outside, what they were doing, and most people know about them so they act as a deterrent too.

Last week I caught someone scaling the scaffold at my house (leaking roof being repaired). I was at work. It was dusk. Called police who went to the house, waited for me, and searched it fully before they let me go in. They did this because I had video evidence. They said everyone should have one, sadly. Turns out it was one of the contractors. Hmm

I hope this turn out okay OP, it sounds very much like it is your ex, which while still terrifying, is not paranormal, or I hope, dangerous. Is your some home tonight?

goldpendant · 09/11/2019 11:01

*son

EstuaryBird · 09/11/2019 11:05

Did your gravel look as if it had been disturbed OP?

Just wondering if whoever it is was actually outside your house (hope not) or somewhere else with gravel.

Do you think it could be your ex getting drunk and trying to contact or visit you while under the influence. I had this once, used to turn up at 3am and knock then to the phone box (pre mobile phone times) and just keep phoning. He didn’t really have any ill intent he was just drunk and stupid.

It doesn’t sound like a burglar, they don’t usually give you that much warning.

Thinking of you and hope you get a good result with the police today x

JustLikeJasper · 09/11/2019 11:08

This sounds so scary OP, really hope police can sort it out for you xx

LauraKsWhiteCoat · 09/11/2019 11:27

Hope you're ok OP. Can you ask a PCSO to come and visit the house - that way, if anyone is watching they'll see that the police are involved and on the ball.

Motoko · 09/11/2019 11:43

I don't get the feeling that it's the ex. OP said he didn't know where she lives, and it seems odd that he would pop up after OP not hearing from him for years. The brand of beer cans, is probably just coincidence. A lot of heavy drinkers like Stella, if it's that brand.

This must be so frightening. Motion activated lights, front and back would be a good idea as well as the cameras. As well as being a preventative, they'll give a clearer picture on the cameras.

I think I'd be keeping the cat in for a while. Someone doing this, might have no qualms hurting it. Do you have a litter tray?

I hope the police are able to catch whoever it is.

TheReluctantCountess · 09/11/2019 12:18

Does it look like anyone has been in the front garden? Are the stones moved again?

bluetue · 09/11/2019 12:49

That sounds horrific. Pleased your cat is home, I would keep him/her inside for the next few days. Hopefully your son is there now, will he stay with you for the weekend?

PanchoBarnes · 09/11/2019 12:50

Alrighty then -- nix the idea of walking outside to calm yourself in checking that all is well. This is scaring the crap outta me, just reading it.
I agree with a PP who suggested to turn off the answerphone.

Is your son back now?
He'll stay the night tonight, right?

bluetue · 09/11/2019 12:54

Also could you fit a lock onto your back gate?

LauraKsWhiteCoat · 09/11/2019 12:57

You could also fit some noisy 'traps' around the back garden - bells on the gate, things that people might trip over that might make a noise - that sort of thing. But be prepared for foxes to also trigger them and make a noise. But at least it gives you warning to look out of hte window.

Amys136 · 09/11/2019 12:57

I was thinking of you when I was up with the baby last night. Is your son going to stay with you today?

If you didn’t hear anyone outside on the gravel then I’d think they weren’t outside your house. Still horrible that someone is trying to scare you this much.

Icecreamsoda99 · 09/11/2019 13:00

Could it be one of your son's "friends" playing a horrible prank? Someone who knows your number and knows he has moved out. Flowers for you OP

TopBitchoftheWitches · 09/11/2019 13:18

Good luck with the police today op

Dizzygirl00 · 09/11/2019 13:40

So glad your little cat is home as others have said please keep him inside
Really sorry this is happening to you I hope it’s resolved quickly for you x

Sazquatch · 09/11/2019 15:42

Have you spoken with the police yet OP? I keep thinking about this today.

Euromillsplz · 09/11/2019 16:30

Terrifying. Hope this gets resolved very soon. I too am relieved it's not ghostery!! Flowers

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