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!!!!

• long tone

It really sounds like you house was being tested to burgle. Often we leave key in back door. They reach their arm in and hook out key with wire.

They would also check for keys under rocks. So be aware.

Don't leave key in doors or windows. Cat will have to stay in.

Security lights outside a very good idea

Have phone next to you x

How would they have my home phone number?

That's what makes me think twice.

Unless it's a colossal coincidence?

I think the phone call was probably a coincidence. A very unpleasant one, but a coincidence just the same.

If it was a burglary why would they ring the doorbell!

Are you sure some of it isn't your odd neighbour?

This thread has given me the shivers. Thinking of you tonight OP.

Fingers crossed for a peaceful night for you 🤞🏻

@Likethebattle my thoughts too.

I'd maybe put the phone thing down to a coincidence if you didn't have ringing on your doorbell in the middle of the night too.

Thinking of you tonight OP!!!

How scary OP. Have you a pal who could spend weekend with you. We’ve got CCTV and it definitely makes you feel safer.

The darker it gets the less inclined I am to stay and be brave.
My son is going to travel back to put up the cameras tomorrow.

I think he thinks I'm making it up to get him home!

Hope you have a quiet night tonight OP

There's an app that sounds like people in the house. I'd download that and leave it playing downstairs all night

Hi OP
Just posting your diagram for those that aren't using the app. Effort put into diagrams should never go unnoticed
I think it does sound like your ex, I hope he got bored and moved on.
Wishing you a lovely calm evening

Cameras will help to deter most people thankfully!

Sorry posted to early, I hope your okay op!

Is your phone number ex directory? Couldn't they just have looked it up?

Glad you're getting cameras. Get decent locks and security lights too and an alarm - a wireless one is pretty easy to set up.

In the meantime, leave a light on and put things across the doors.

I'd get a ring doorbell OP, also did you try 1471 after the phone call?

Best diagram I've ever seen on mumsnet.

I hope you have a more peaceful night tonight OP

Brilliant diagram!

Perhaps the shoe-stealing foxes are also drinking beer in your garden and playing knock off ginger?

In all seriousness, I really hope whoever it is leaves you alone tonight.

This is terrifying, poor you op. At least the police have a record of it but they've not been able to give much help. I hope tonight is quiet and peaceful for you xx

Hope you have a peaceful night and all this stops for you xx

Plan of action tonight:

Table against back door.
Keys removed from lock.

Front room will be set up as if someone's watching tv, lights on, tv on really low volume.

I'm home alone again, can't find the cat at the moment which is making me anxious. I've shaken treats at the back door before locking up but no response yet. For some reason I felt braver when the cat was on my bed!
(He sometimes spends the night mousing in the wood pile at the end of the garden)

Tomorrow I'm going to look into a ring bell thing. The one that videos and sends them to your phone.

I have taken the batteries out of my doorbell. Is that ever so cowardly?

I'm just so tired from lack of quality sleep (not that I'm expecting it tonight)