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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Juletide · 19/01/2022 12:04

The OP only posts during a 90 minute slot each evening, apart from Sundays when she attends church obviously, and all questions go unanswered.

It's a fun thread though.

lottiegarbanzo · 19/01/2022 12:14

Fun yes. As unreliable narration and reactions to it, often are!

Nikkic2123 · 19/01/2022 12:40

If this thread is real…
I’d tell NDN I’m claiming through house insurance, in order to do that you need to get a crime number from police, the police will prob ask a few questions but but to worry - see how she reacts

KaptainKaveman · 19/01/2022 13:33

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.

LucyAutumn · 19/01/2022 13:34

What Nikkic2123 said ⬆️

Justheretoaskaquestion91 · 19/01/2022 13:40

@lottiegarbanzo

It was a joke
!!

Jennylou88 · 19/01/2022 14:06

Following to find out what on earth happened to the laptop! @StarWa when are you planning to speak with her? X

2DogsOnMySofa · 19/01/2022 16:41

You said the battery is dodgy, has the charger gone too?

Parpophone · 19/01/2022 17:13

@Zonder

Wow! Since when did MN take down a thread cos it's old?
It was a mistake. MN have apologised.

The thread is now re-instated in Classics.

myothercarisaskoda · 19/01/2022 17:39

@Parpophone I don't know where you mean??

mewe3 · 19/01/2022 18:08

Interested to see the outcome, something similar happened to me and I never found out what happened

Whereismumhiding3 · 19/01/2022 18:40

I disagree with PP saying that NDN wouldn't want to come round and chat in this circumstance

I would
I would be really sad to hear that my NdN laptop went missing whilst she was away and want to try to help her solve it. I wouldn't even think she was accusing me- because that wouldn't be my first or even any thought. I'd just want to try to help her.

Given OP was away for 3 weeks, it sounds far more likely that NDN asked someone else she knew well to pop round to feed cat on the odd day. I imagine OP already thanked her NDN on her return and brought back a Thank-you gift.

It is so strange NDN is avoiding coming round. Especially as she's a teacher - they're usually very practical minded people due to the nature of their job. (Never met a teacher yet that doesn't quickly engage in a bit of logical problem solving!)

Original poster
StarWa · 19/01/2022 18:43

I work long hours. I don't think I'm "unreliable" for not updating a thread on MN? Sorry if it's come across that way. :(

Also, I haven't responded to everyone's questions because I haven't read them all.

I've read as much as I can and I really appreciate all the responses. There's been some good advice and maybe I wasn't quick enough to act. I realise that now.

Yes, the charging cable is gone too.
No signs of a break in.
I tried the "locate my laptop" thing and it didn't work.

Anyway, I've spoken to her and she denies all knowledge. I asked her if she remembered seeing it on the first day I was away and she could not.

I asked if she'd given they keys to anyone else and she said no.

I told her I was going to call the police and she told me not to because it would be a waste of time and the laptop wasn't that great anyway.

😩 it's the kind of thing she would say, quite flippant, but still!!

I did contact the police and someone is going to get back to me. They didn't seem overly bothered, so she was probably right!

OP posts:
BrinksmansEntry · 19/01/2022 18:54

How did she know the laptop wasn't great?

I'd have another search of your house, look in drawers and in-between books or something, then tell NDN you've been in touch with the police. Have you told the police it went missing when you were away and NDN only one with keys?

Maybe she sold it to help fund a new international drug cartel and the police are in her pay. Its as likely as anything at this stage Grin

SandyPanda · 19/01/2022 18:58

She's got it the rotten cow! Not that great ShockGrin

Original poster
StarWa · 19/01/2022 19:01

I may have mentioned to her at some stage that I was looking to buy a new laptop. Tbh, it looks like an expensive laptop, but if you move it or unplug it the battery dies.

I should probably have had it repaired but I just thought I'd leave it in exactly the same place, not move it, and hope for the best. 😆 That's how I know it was definitely where I left it; I literally could not be more sure of anything, haha.

I'm probably just going to buy a new one. I'm not on it all the time and I know that's not the point, but idk what else I can do.

OP posts:
Whereismumhiding3 · 19/01/2022 19:09

Perhaps this will be a mystery your never solve then OP

But I wouldn't let NDN have my key again. Cat can go to cattery next time. There are wonderful ones out there for £12-15 a day. Where cat gets attention all day long. 3 weeks is a long time without strikes and cuddles for a cat. I know as I have cats who I always thought wouldn't like a cattery, but they did!!
And then there's no chance of someone else going into your house and taking things.

It's my view that NDN did move your laptop or gave someone your key to Fred cat whilst she was away or just as 3 weeks is a long time.

Have you thought about asking other NDNs if they have any cctv that might have captured someone walking towards and from your house? "Given that you had a burglary whilst you were away"?

Whereismumhiding3 · 19/01/2022 19:10

Strokes, I meant strokes not strikes for cat!! 🙀

Nikkic2123 · 19/01/2022 19:10

Did you track it?

IntermittentParps · 19/01/2022 19:14

I told her I was going to call the police and she told me not to because it would be a waste of time and the laptop wasn't that great anyway.
Hmm
She's either stolen it or, at best, she's a bit of a weirdo who I would not trust again with my keys/pets.

MoveOnTheCards · 19/01/2022 19:16

She told you not to contact the police?

She knows something about what happened to it.

VexedofVirginiaWater · 19/01/2022 19:16

@Nikkic2123

Did you track it?
The OP said she'd tried locate your laptop and it didn't work.
BlaBlaSmthSmth · 19/01/2022 19:19

I also think it sounds weird that she told you not to contact the police. But you're in more of a position to judge whether it sounded dodgy than me.. It's not something I can imagine saying to someone who's laptop has been stolen though!

CustardySergeant · 19/01/2022 19:21

Has your laptop got anything sensitive on it like saved passwords?

Original poster
StarWa · 19/01/2022 19:22

She can be quite blunt and just say things how she sees them. It wasn't really a "gotcha!" moment if that makes sense? It's something I'd expect her to say.

OP posts: