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.

@StarWa

Haha, I know! Thank you. I'm one of those people who (usually) always blames themselves and would never accuse anyone of anything if I think I may have made a mistake!

She's still not here 😂

Oooooh, weird! Maybe she's done a moonlight flit, as she's bin rumbled!

I definitely think she has something to tell you, OP!

Before we had the dc, dh and I used to have a lot of weekends away. Dh used to drive me mad before we went, hiding valuables, in case we got burgled while away. This particular time I had one of those little Netbooks, and he stashed it, along with a few uther bits, spare keys and whatnot, in the washing machine of all places. Didn't tell me. Well, when we got back I got busy unpacking, and put a wash on, in my haste I didn't notice there was anything in there. Sat down with a cuppa and said to dh, where did you put my Netbook? In the washer he said 🤦‍♀️. I ran to the machine to see it clunking around in there full of lovely soapy water.

Have you also got a dim dh op? And have you put a wash on yet?

@StarWa

Haha, I know! Thank you. I'm one of those people who (usually) always blames themselves and would never accuse anyone of anything if I think I may have made a mistake!

She's still not here 😂

You've mislaid your laptop and your neighbour now!

I do hope you get to the bottom of the mystery though.

@StarWa

You don’t sound ridiculous. 2+2=4, does it not?

Normally nice, honest people are overwhelmed by temptation when presented with the opportunity.

She was presented with the opportunity.

If your laptop turns up, APOLOGISE.

Where’s the power cable? If you were going to pinch the laptop presumably you’d take the cable too? Is it also missing?

No you don't sound ridiculous OP. As I said at the start, it is the unlikeliest scenario (her nicking it) out of many, with the most likely being you tucking it away somewhere else and forgetting. But it's not impossible as stranger things have happened. I hope your neighbour shows/has showed up though

Wonder if she is there now.

I wonder if she damaged it, took it off to be repaired but it hasn't been repaired in time. So she hasn't stolen it as she is intending to bring it back...she just doesn't know how to tell you.

I am waaaay too invested in this.

HAS YOUR NEIGHBOUR BEEN ROUND @StarWa ???!!!

I gots ta know!

No offense OP but it sounds like a pretty shitty laptop so why steal it.

If it was a break in because she left door open, I'd expect more to be missing.

Omg has she been to see you yet? I'm on the edge of my seat here lol
(Also hope the laptop turns up!)

@nanbread

No offense OP but it sounds like a pretty shitty laptop so why steal it.

If it was a break in because she left door open, I'd expect more to be missing.

How can you tell that from what the OP has said? Or are you the neighbour? 😂

Did she turn up?
My money is on her borrowing it and then spilling something on it! (Which is still out of order)

Slotted into a bookcase ?

@mumofEandE

Did she turn up? My money is on her borrowing it and then spilling something on it! (Which is still out of order)

Now that is a good point! What happened OP? Did she confess??

Fully invested

Did she ever turn up?

Can’t wait for the update

Just waiting for any updates

I don't think she stole it - it's obviously old and a bit knackered. I think she knocked it over or damaged it somehow and wants to tell the OP in person.

My money is on unintended damage too.

It would be very odd for her to steal it in a scenario where she knows she would be the most obvious suspect. Still not impossible, but I think it very unlikely.