I’m such a whimp

[Lizzzie321]

Evening!

I’m a single mum to a 5 year old boy and we live alone. I watching tv Friday night and there was a knock at the door (about 9.30). Went and answered nobody there. Happened again 5 minutes, then continued for the next half hour and then they started banging on my windows. Absolutely shaking like a shitting dog so I lit my whole house up like blackpool illuminations then went and got my little boy and drove down to my mums (only 5 mins away).

Now I know it was probably kids/teenagers/pissheads but it’s actually really frightened me to the point we are still at my mums. I know I’m going to have to go back home tomorrow and I’m scared! Why am I such a fanny? I’m 35 years old!!!! Any tips to get over the fear and to help me grow some balls!!??

@Lizzzie321 I'm sorry that happened to you Friday night. I'm slightly older than you and I too would have been really shaken up by it. I think than when you have your child in the house that adds another level of stress to the situation, you are not just looking out for yourself and you have them to think of.
Do you have anyone who can stay round for a night? Can you get one of those camera doorbells fitted so you can see who if there before you answer?

Thank you for replying!
I might actually look into a security camera where I can put in my window (it won’t look on to anyone’s property) for peace of mind. Thank you Xx

You are no more a wimp than most of us—I’d be scared too. The police used to offer advice on improving security of your house, not sure if they still do in this age of slashed budgets but you could try. If no luck with police I would get a private security firm to pay you a visit and give advice on the best products to instal. Friend of mine is single mum and quite wealthy, has long lived alone with her kids—her houses have always been like Fort Knox. Bolts as well as locks on doors, window locks, alarm systems, the works. She just takes security seriously and maybe the rest of us should too.

That sounds terrifying, so sorry it happened. Utter bastards.

You're not a wimp, that does sound scary. I hope you're feeling okay now

I think that would shake most people up!

We got a Ring Doorbell last year after a few incidents. Real peace of mind being able to see who is approaching.

Not a wimp at all that would frighten most people!

Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply!

Unfortunately I don’t think I’d be able to afford a security firm etc this close to Xmas. But if anyone has any tips on how to improve security etc please share them! I can’t even sleep thinking about going back home 🙈

Thank you again XX

You’re not a wimp, you were in a scary situation and did the best thing you could. Don’t be angry with yourself, be angry with the f*ers who were bashing on your door. It sounds horrible and I’d be scared too.

I think that would shake anyone up, although I'm confused as to why you would then Go outside, where they were ???

I would have called th ploice, in honesty (and I generally roll my eyes on here at the things people advise other posters to contact the police about).

This is why we have a dog! Years ago someone tried to break in during the night, at the time dh worked away a lot and the children were very young. Whilst I was waiting for the police dh had rang a friend to come and sit with me (big mountain of a man but a teddy bear).
Dh came back the next day and we picked up a beautiful springer spaniel. She's as soft as anything but doesn't sound it when she barks!

You are not a wimp.

You are not a wimp OP. I would have done exactly the same. Infact I remember when dp was working away one time and I had the 2 kids home alone. I heard funny noises, them my phone died and I couldn't find my charger, and something else happened that freaked me out. So I got eldest up at about 12 at night. Wrapped baby ds up and me the 2 kids and the dog walked down the street to my mums. I had to chap her awake, bit I was so releaved to be there. I just felt as though something really weird was going on. At the time I did unknowingly have quite bad pnd though so I think that played a big part.

Could someone stay with you for a few nights until you feel a bit better about being back home?

Private security firm? of course as everyone can afford this 🙄🙄
@Lizzzie321 you can fairly cheap motion activated solar lights on Amazon that can be attached to your fence, usually a light coming on scares these dafties off.

@SBTLove. Not sure why some on MN always seem to assume that inviting a professional to give advice is always wildly expensive, it isn’t necessarily. Companies that sell security equipment and devices might even give advice for free as they are selling product and will give advice within a budget. I’ve had free advice from all kinds of professionals including solicitors but some ppl on MN seem to believe that the minute you step through these ppl’s doors they start racking up a bill for hundreds of pounds. It’s not necessarily so, you pick up the phone or drop an email and ask them how they operate. My solicitor gave free initial consultation and only charged for action like writing letters. Security firm may pay free visit in the hope OP will buy some system or other. Seems pretty simple!

Website police.uk has a lot of advice about making your home secure including how to get a locksmith who’s registered with a certain professional body to check out your doors and windows and fit reliable locks etc.

Ring doorbells are quite pricey but you can get an outdoor security camera off Amazon for about £50. We've got one and it's really good.