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!!!!

Op
Did you press 1471 in the call?

My cat flap has been known to stick open if the cat runs in too fast.

Just wondering if you can 1471 the number?

Op take your iPad off the table. If they are looking to grab something they will just grab your bag and run. No need to leave your iPad.

With you email etc, possibly banking details. Take it back they could commit identify fraud with that.

How would a burglar get the house number?

This is so frikking spooky

Gosh I feel scared reading this.

I got broken into two years ago. I have the indoor cctv cameras now that alert you of movement.

I also have a star lock fitted of my interior kitchen door so there's a locked door to fight before they get to me.

Invest in an alarm and cctv now you're alone, OP xx

Everything always seems worse in the night. In a few hours it’ll be light and you’ll be able to make a plan if you can’t sleep tonight then make you’re plan. You need more protection now you’re alone. But writing it down is always a good starting point. If you’re really scared ask a friend if you can stay with them over the weekend x

Hope you get some sleep tonight. Talk to the police tomorrow.

Er, there are several red flags that someone has been poking around or even trying to get in- have you phoned the police?
It’s worth letting them know as they’ll add you to their drive round route.

ring 1471 to find out the number that called.

I'd be tempted to give 111 a call. Also do you have any burly neighbours you can call?

Are you okay, OP? I'll be online for at least another hour. Not sure how much use I'd be but I can at least offer moral support. And yes, let the police know. It might be nothing, but better safe than sorry.

You should ring 101 i think, log it atleast

Another one that thinks you should log the call

101 to be recommended from me too and if you hear anyone intruding, 999 immediately.
Take your cards out of your wallet if you're leaving your handbag downstairs - especially if the cards might have high credit limits on them - you don't want some bastard going on a shopping spree.
Immediately ring 999 if anything happens tonight and immediately cancel cards if you don't take them out of your purse/wallet.

Hope you’re ok Op.
I don’t think it’ll do any harm to leave a light on downstairs.
Not now obviously but :
I’d also beef up your security - sort your back door out and maybe get a security light (though the cat might trigger it often and do your head in!)
Get another lock for your front door, other than the yale.
I think I’ve read (on here!) gravel is a good deterrent.

Hopefully, though, all will be ok tonight.
Sleep with a light on upstairs too. Keep your phone with you.

I know you're upstairs now, but maybe take a photo of the identifying numbers on the ipad. Photo of handbag.

For e.g. I've a Next card with a credit limit of 3k on it. I have it in my purse, but should possibly take it out permanently now that I think of it.
Credit cards, they could book shit using your card, if organised, get them shipped to a PO box or similar.

Since your back door is your weak link, I wouldn't leave a light on in any room adjoining it - it just lets them see more. Leave a TV on in the front room or something.

I'd also be inclined to put something that jingles in front of cat flap. And I'd possibly tape over it with sealing tape just for tonight. You really need to call 101 though.

I work for an alarm company. I'd defo get an intruder alarm with floodlights installed. And a basic cctv package if you can afford it. You can now get a pyronix panel with an app on your phone that the cctv and intruder alarm is linked to. Means you can view the cctv on your phone when at work or at home inside. Set and unset your alarm remotely and be notified of any activations and what zone they were in in the house. If you can afford it I'd get the alarm monitored and a panic alarm installed that is linked to the police. We have alot of single women who have this, for personal safety. Not just police.

However putting things in perspective. The noise could of been the car running out the cat flap and it being lodged up and the rocks slightly moved as you said, squirrels. But I'd defo log it all with the police.

Not just the rich I meant, not the police.

OP can you borrow a big scary dog for a few nights?

Hope you have a calm and quiet night

Oh that is horrible for you. However nothing happened, sometimes phones - mobiles anyway - if not locked, automatically dial a number if pressed or in a pocket (I've had that from my husband, could hear him talking to a colleague [cross] ). That's probably what your phone call was about.

The noise downstairs you explained.

All is well, whereareallmyhairbands. However, do put some lights on and try to find something relaxing to watch or listen to which will take your mind off it. Maybe have a drink - I wouldn't normally advocate alcohol but sometimes a little bit helps. Hot chocolate is also very soothing if it doesn't give you migraine/headache, I had one earlier - first time for yonks - and it was so lovely I feel contented just thinking about it.

I do hope you sleep, you really do not have anything to worry about but I sympathise as I am sure everyone else on here does. We all get spooked at times.

Later: had a read through, agree that you need to sort out decent locks, especially for back door. You'll feel reassured if you do that.

I had never heard the word "twitten" before and thought it must be a typo, but googled it and found out what it means. Thanks OP, every day is a school day! Hope you have a peaceful and safe night.

Are you still awake? I live alone with my DCs so always on high alert. I sleep with a wooden rounders bat next to my bed (and screwdrivers and some really heavy pliers type thingy. Never done a diy job in my life so don't even know where they've come from!)

Anyway, just to play devils advocate (and also to try to reassure you):

Cat flap - it could have stuck up after your cat had gone out, noise could have been your cat/another cat/mouse/rat/squirrel running in and out again

Phone call - freaky but could be pure coincidence

Rocks - if small enough could have been moved overnight by squirrel, cat, fox, hedgehog

Definitely do all the security measures mentioned in PPs. I block my back kitchen door with the ironing board - its just the right width when folded up to slot behind the door handle. Then i put a chair in front of it. And my laundry basket. If anyone gets in I'd hear them and it would give me precious time to phone police.

We also have a community whatsapp group where a good group of residents are available for help if you send a whatsapp alert - would it be possible for you to set one of those up for your community? It's extremely reassuring.