To think my neighbour stole my laptop?

[StarWa]

This is going to sound a bit ridiculous, but I promise it's true, unless I've lost my mind.

I went away for three weeks. During this time I asked my NDN to look after my cat - I left all the food, litter, poo bags etc.

I offered them £10 per day to do this, however, they refused and said I could repay the favour one day. We are quite friendly, she's a teacher and he works for a bank - both late thirties. Not that it matters, just so I'm not dripfeeding.

I take in a lot of Amazon deliveries for them and they would do the same for me.

I got home today and my laptop is gone - I always keep it in the same place on my desk. It was 100% there before I left. Thinking they might have moved it for whatever reason (fine) I text her to ask.

She told me I better not be accusing her of stealing it because she would never do that. I said I wasn't saying that at all, just a bit perplexed as I didn't take it with me.

Now she hasn't replied, but she's read my message.

[notacooldad]

If you log onto Microsoft account you can track devices, I think
It does! I didn’t realise this. I’ve just tried it and my lap top is nearby me!

Give it a go OP

[ParkheadParadise]

I would be round your door pronto if you sent me that text.

[Freecuthbert]

Or maybe even d) she has let someone else, e.g. friend of hers, into your home while she was seeing to the cats, and that person stole the laptop

[Freecuthbert]

Have you looked everywhere in your house? I think it's unlikely she has stolen it, though stranger things have happened. But it just seems a bit mad to go and steal your neighbour's laptop when entrusted with looking after their cats. She could have accepted the £10 a day if she was that hard up and it sounds like her and her husband's jobs probably aren't that low paid she'd take such a huge risk in stealing your laptop? Unless she's a klepto?! But surely you are familiar enough with her to have trusted her in the first place.

I think it's more likely that:
a) You put your laptop somewhere else and forgot.
b) One of the times she popped in something happened to the laptop by accident (e.g. spilt water on it and it broke) and she's mortified and hidden it away/thrown it away. Although still a shitty thing to do. Even worse if she broke it while snooping on it!
c) Someone else has come in and stolen the laptop, perhaps she didn't lock the door or leave the house as secure as you might have? Was your laptop left by a window?

[WonderfulYou]

Surely they'd have to be bonkers when it would be so obvious it's them! Could they have left door unlocked one day and someone got in and took it?

I agree.

I would be fuming that you have basically accused me of stealing when I’d just done you a massive favour!

I would have thought if you were going on holiday you would have put the laptop out of sight.

I would look high and low for it and if you find it apologise and make something you that you thought you’d taken it and was worried you left it there.

[ShinyMe]

Are you sure you didn't put it away last minute? I've done that before, rather than leaving my laptop out where it's visible, but then forgotten I've done it because it's not my usual thing to do. I've put it inside the wardrobe and under my pillow before, and in the kitchen cupboard.

[LessTime]

@MayThePawsBeWithYou

She sounds defensive and I would expect someone.to say no.I havent seen it would you like me ro help you look. If she has taken it then she will get rid of it now anyway.

I think most people would be defensive if they thought their neighbour thinks they stole a laptop.

[BooksAndGin]

She's being very defensive but it depends how you asked her I guess, need more context.

Are you sure it's not just been moved? Have you looked?

[MayThePawsBeWithYou]

She sounds defensive and I would expect someone.to say no.I havent seen it would you like me ro help you look. If she has taken it then she will get rid of it now anyway.

[StarWa]

@Hugasauras

Surely they'd have to be bonkers when it would be so obvious it's them! Could they have left door unlocked one day and someone got in and took it?

That's what I was thinking too. It just doesn't make sense.

There are no signs of a burglary or anything.

[Hugasauras]

Surely they'd have to be bonkers when it would be so obvious it's them! Could they have left door unlocked one day and someone got in and took it?

[Sexnotgender]

Why would she be able to access your house now you’re back?

[stuntbubbles]

Are you rock-solid certain you didn’t hide it away before you left, in case of burglaries? Or put it somewhere to charge?

[user1493494961]

Hope she's not on Mumsnet.

[lonelyapple]

How has she still got access to your home if you are no longer away? Does she still have a key?

[MsAgnesDiPesto]

How about going round and asking her for details the times she came in each day, so you can add the information to the police report you’re going to make to report the burglary?

If it’s not in your house and she didn’t take it, then you must have had an intruder. Ask her if it’s possible she left the door unlocked on one of the times she came in. Do it in person so you can watch her face. If she’s not guilty you will need all this for a police report anyway.

[StarWa]

Oh really? I'll try that! Thanks

[Hankunamatata]

If you log onto Microsoft account you can track devices, I think