Freaked out

[whereareallmyhairbands]

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!!!!

Yes definitely keep your cat in. I know they can be a pain when under house arrest and it’ll be the last thing on your mind but overloading cat with treats and catnip might do the trick.

Thinking of you OP

I would answer.
Say his name and say im not scared of you, you idiot. The police are monitoring the line and they are tracing this call.
You will be arrested for stalking, hope you have fun in jail

I think it’s your ex because of the beer brand you mentioned.
He’s calling you whilst very drunk and ringing your doorbell (he may well have done last night but you removed the batteries) I think he’s so drunk he has no idea what he’s doing.
I hope it’s this and nothing sinister OP - easier to deal with the ex.
Hope today with police went well.

How are you, OP?

Hope OP is ok xx

I’ve been thinking about you all day @whereareallmyhairbands

I hope everything is peaceful tonight.

Hope tonight is quiet for you x

Hope you are ok

How did you get on today? I hope your son is staying with you tonight. Are the cameras installed? At least you'll find out who it is soon enough if so!

Wow I didn't realise you could leave a message that long! I always thought there was a maximum length.
Hope your ok op, sounds like your having a tough time. Your doing all the right things. Try and get a ring doorbell for added security.

OP I wouldn't sleep in the house alone till you've solved this or you're pretty sure they've buggered off.

I don't mean to scare you but they are obviously trying to. Who knows what it's about.

Unless... you say your ex left beer behind (if it was him). Could it just be he's acting like a self absorbed dick rather than trying to scare you?

My arsehole ex would have thought trying to break into my house was perfectly reasonable behaviour if he wanted to see me, I was out and he could easily get in. Especially if he had nowhere to stay.

Could answerphone message be a pocket call or failure to hang up properly instead of a deliberate attempt to call you?

Either way I'd want someone else there.

Hope tonight is a better night for you

I awoke at 3 am thinking of you OP I hope this gets sorted quickly for you.
It's a terrible feeling not knowing if you are safe or not in your home
I had a stalker, this was 17 years ago. who would call me on my telephone landline.
He would tell me how nice I looked and then go in to detail about what I was wearing that very day.
He would stand on my porch at night.
Called Police after this.
I wasnt just terrified for me but my 4 little ones as well. I moved soon after.
He had been stalking me on Yahoo. Found my address etc.
He would park above my home and watch me walk to the mailbox.
Once police were involved and I moved I had no more problems, Always be cautious of online friends, surroundings etc. Praying for your safety OP.

This is so frightening, op - you are incredibly brave to be tackling this alone. I do so hope the culprit is caught and there is a resolution for you very soon!

Please let us know that you’re ok when you get a moment

OP's ex, isn't the only one who drinks whatever brand of beer it is. It's probably just coincidence. And OP said she hadn't heard from him for years, plus he doesn't know her phone number, or where she lives.

I think the ex is a red herring.

Gosh just read all this. Id be at my parents by now. Youre braver than me!

Did you contact the police with the cans and message as evidence?

Hi all.

I'm working my way through all your replies and I'm so grateful for your kind words.

My son put up a ring bell which sends video footage to my phone (and his)

And also we purchased a blink camera - which is above the back door. I'm quite taken aback at how clear the images are. Technology ahy!

We treated ourselves to a nice dinner out and now I'm in bed. My son is staying up for a while downstairs, quite against my wishes, but he seems keen to play the part of my hero. Truth be told I'm so happy he's here!

I'm almost willing for something to happen tonight. The police are aware of the security installations and say once there is definitive evidence of someone seeking to frighten me, they can act upon it.
Their hands are tied till' there is some evidence, and they have stated quite plainly they cannot issue an officer to keep watch.

I'm not sure how I feel about that in all honesty. It seems somewhat redundant to offer help AFTER someone has attempted to get into the house.

Anyway....
Other updates:

I contacted my EX's Sister, who didn't think he was living round these parts anymore and last she heard he was headed northeast. That's not to say he isn't here, but she seemed to think he had started to rebuild his life. Our son is NC with him and has been of his own volition for many years.

Try to get a good night sleep tonight, as your son is there

Hope you catch up on your sleep tonight

Here's to a good nights sleep for you tonight, Op xx

If you worked for the company that made those security cameras this thread would be an excellent marketing tactic. I'm totally terrified and convinced I need all manner of household security measures now as I lie in my bed in the dark listening out for bumps in the night...

Hoping you have a better night tonight.

Well this thread has definitely scared me! In a way, if something's going to happen it would be better tonight while you're not alone, and hopefully all your tech will catch them. Then again, hopefully this is all some weird coincidence that stops now!