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Original poster

To think my neighbour stole my laptop?

568 replies

StarWa · 15/01/2022 19:35

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.

OP posts:
StoneofDestiny · 15/01/2022 21:29

Her reply was very strange for a neighbour you get on well with.

Unsure33 · 15/01/2022 21:35

I don’t think there is anyway she would steal it . So I would apologise and say that You may have moved it but can’t remember where so wondered if she had seen it ?

OnaBegonia · 15/01/2022 21:37

What exactly did your text say?
Hi, did you move my laptop? or have you took it?
All depends on how it was said.

MythicalBiologicalFennel · 15/01/2022 21:37
Freecuthbert · 15/01/2022 21:37

@StoneofDestiny

Her reply was very strange for a neighbour you get on well with.
I don't think it was strange though. The text comes across to me as an accusation and that's how I'd take it as well tbh, idk how I could even reply to it but I wouldn't be happy especially after going out my way with such a big favour to OP and turning down payment for it. It's because the OP wrote in the text she is 100% certain the laptop was where she left it. That would get my back up a bit because even if she had put it somewhere else she's basically refusing to consider that possibility, and with the text being pointed at the neighbour, what else is she trying to insinuate? If the laptop was 100% on the table, it couldn't have moved itself, in other words it was stolen.
Freecuthbert · 15/01/2022 21:39

Wait I think I misread the post, perhaps OP didn't say what I thought she said in the text! Sorry

Doyoumind · 15/01/2022 21:39

I'm also guessing you moved it and have forgotten.

Luredbyapomegranate · 15/01/2022 21:43

I think it’s really unlikely it’s them. Text is a very blunt communication tool - it would have been better to ring and ask if she moved it. Ring her tomorrow and apologise if it came across the wrong way.

Either she or you left a door open and someone’s nipped in, or - more likely - you put it somewhere safe. It would be unusual just to leave a laptop on a table when you went away.

saraclara · 15/01/2022 21:51

It seems to me very unlikely they would have taken it as it would be so obvious.

Exactly. As the only person with access to the house, it would be insane for her to steal your laptop.

I'd apologise profusely for giving the wrong impression and say that you thought she might have moved it to put it out of sight, for security.

LondonQueen · 15/01/2022 21:54

Are you sure you haven't hidden it away, DH does that when we go away, even for the weekend!

nalabae · 15/01/2022 21:56

I work as a cleaner and a client once asked if I had seen this little spoon holder she had as she has two, I messaged her where I put the other one. I didn’t once think or say “she better not accuse me of stealing” that’s not a normal reaction if you have not done something wrong.
I would be suspicious but don’t argue with her

Longdistance · 15/01/2022 21:59

Are you sure you didn’t put it somewhere ‘safe’ and now you can’t find it? I’ve done that before Blush

Flickflak · 15/01/2022 22:00

This reply has been withdrawn

Message from MNHQ: This post has been withdrawn

saraclara · 15/01/2022 22:02

@nalabae

I work as a cleaner and a client once asked if I had seen this little spoon holder she had as she has two, I messaged her where I put the other one. I didn’t once think or say “she better not accuse me of stealing” that’s not a normal reaction if you have not done something wrong. I would be suspicious but don’t argue with her
Bit of a difference between a spoon holder and a laptop. Who's going to steal a spoon holder?
GreenTeaPingPong · 15/01/2022 22:06

@Flickflak

Wow I can’t believe you accused her on text! You can say goodbye to any further help.
Where did you read that she accused her in the text? Read the OP, it says Thinking they might have moved it for whatever reason (fine) I text her to ask.
Freecuthbert · 15/01/2022 22:06

@saraclara

Maybe it was a precious antique spoon holder Grin

Landof · 15/01/2022 22:51

Are you sure you didn't put it away somewhere and forgot? I'm honestly always doing stuff like that. Especially if I'm going away and don't want things on show.

JenniferAlisonPhilippaSue · 15/01/2022 23:09

Ockhams razor would point to her (or her partner) having stolen it. Small possibility she maybe outsourced the cat feeding to a third party? Or that they borrowed it without asking and forgot to put it back?

scoobydoo1971 · 15/01/2022 23:43

Have you thought your neighbour might have been a little bit nosey. Curiosity may not have killed the cat, but the laptop? Maybe she went on your computer checking out what you have been looking at, any files or pictures on there...some people are voyeurs to others lives. Perhaps she broke the computer, tipped a drink over it or took the hard drive out to read the contents...and it all went badly wrong. Not really something many people would admit too and might explain her defensiveness.

BorderlineHappy · 16/01/2022 00:26

I think she let someone in to feed the cat on her behalf and now your laptop is gone.

Do you have CCTV that you can check.

VividImaginationAgain · 16/01/2022 00:39

I think NDN’s reaction is a bit weird. I would have said that l hadn’t seen it or that I’d noticed it on the desk or wherever. I wouldn’t have automatically assumed I was being accused of stealing.

Do they have kids that might have been sent to see to the cat, perhaps with their friends? Are you in the sort of place where someone could slip in an open door and grab it whilst she was busy with the cat?

betwixtlives · 16/01/2022 00:43

You’ll have stashed it somewhere safe

BorderlineHappy · 16/01/2022 00:43

I do hope @StarWa before you sent that text,you tore your house apart looking for it.
Because it would be awful if you found it now.

ShinyHappyPoster · 16/01/2022 01:02

I'm just waiting for the 'oh I found it' post from the OP.

WatchMyChops · 16/01/2022 01:09

So you asked if she moved it and she immediately assumed that you’re accusing her? It depends how you worded the text, because she might have become defensive at the mere thought of being accused. To reassure her, you can just tell her that you wanted to be sure that they’ve not moved it and then check with her if she left any windows or doors unlocked etc. Make sure you have also looked high and low, even in obscure places like under the bed, bottom of wardrobe etc.