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!!!!

I hope tonight is more peaceful for you

Thinking of you OP, hope all is well

I hope you have a peaceful night and get some sleep 💐

I've been following the thread and I'm so sorry that you're going through this!

My DH works away from home a couple of nights a week (tonight for example) and I'm often fairly anxious without him here (even though he's useless and usually sends me to check when we hear a noise which more often than not turns out to be one of the cats knocking something over).

I haven't got the ring doorbell or cameras but I'm definitely considering it (more so after reading your thread). We live in a poor welsh valley and there is a quite a bit of crime, although our street is ok. I'm not sure our house looks posh enough to break into.. and we don't have much worth stealing. However, anything you can do to deter them can only help.

Is your son home now? Fingers crossed your dcat comes home for you soon!

Son won't be here until tomorrow lunch time. I feel such guilt for asking him to pop home. It's only 1.5 hours away but I'm sure like most university students, he would rather be sleeping on a Saturday morning.

I've promised to do his laundry.

I am convinced I keep hearing the gravel crunching outside the front. It's quite a unique sound. No sign of anything. Unless the shoe foxes are having an adventure with my gardening clogs!!!!

I think it's natural to be hearing things. I hope you have a peaceful night.

don’t leave keys in the locks

I always have my key in the lock from the inside, the only way to get out in case of fire.

I also have a peep hole and a reinforced front door.

Can you have a sneaky look through the window? If you’re really worried don’t hesitate to call the police or do you have your neighbour’s phone no?

I always have my key in the lock from the inside, the only way to get out in case of fire.

I'm sure I read somewhere this can invalidate your home insurance. There are devices burglars can use to twist the key from the outside to open the door, therefore not having to force entry.

Wow @TokenGinger I did not know this. I’ve always kept key in the lock! Eek

Oh gosh OP. Hope you're ok. It sounds extremely nerve-wracking.

Completely beside the point, but your diagram is a thing of beauty.

I hope you get some rest tonight.

Hope nothing happens tonight OP but keep us updated, will your son stay over tomorrow night too? Hopefully then if anything happens at least you have someone else there, if nothing else just to validate things are really happening. Thinking of you xx

Jesus Christ op this sounds terrifying. Could you stay with a friend for the night? Or book into a hotel?

Has your ex stalked you before?

I'll be up feeding bubs tonight so will check back and see are you ok.

With regards to the cat would a cat flap that works with the chip work? Just thinking as he's probably gone walkies in protest to you keeping him in. With a chipped flap it will be hard for anyone else to gain access (I think?)

OP I am awake and will be for the foreseeable so please keep updating if you are scared! Sounds like you have made the house pretty anti burglar/stalker with the TV and lights. Hope you get a restful night tonight!!

This is why I'm glad I have a dog. I hope you are ok

People think I'm mad for this, but my house had quite thin lounge curtains so I would leave on the TV (on mute) and then create a "person" out of cushions to sit on the sofa. I would also put something against the front door. I'd park the car so it was almost resting on the garage door and push the wheelie bins up against the back gate (from the inside).

I've also used a broom as a prop across the doorframe running behind the door handle. I'd also make sure that if you need to, you can easily barricade yourself in your bedroom. I'd also make sure that your bedroom windows are locked but that the key is nearby so you can open them quickly if you needed to.

If you don't have a house alarm, a 90's style personal alarm would certainly let your neighbours know something was up. Cameras are great, although I do find myself spending the small hours watching the foxes on them!

I too had a crazy ex, even twenty years on I'm still uncomfortable when alone in the house, hence my Home Alone style of personal security!

💐🍷

I always have my key in the lock from the inside, the only way to get out in case of fire.

I'm sure I read somewhere this can invalidate your home insurance. There are devices burglars can use to twist the key from the outside to open the door, therefore not having to force entry.

Thanks Token for your concern. Appreciate it. But I live in Europe in an apartment. I have a steel strip along the door so that no-one can try and open it with a bank card, for instance.

I'm a single mum (though he's an adult now) so was always on the ball about security never mind the abusive ex

Could it be your neighbour?

Get BT to trace the number that rang you
They will see all calls that was made to you, especially the 2am one

I hope tonight goes well for you op and hope the cat comes in soon.

Scary stuff op. Makes me cross that others make people feel so scared in their own home.

Hope you’re okay

Fingers crossed for a peaceful night for you op

This thread has made me so anxious!! Hope your okay and sleep well tonight!