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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:
lborgia · 16/01/2022 01:09

I would not get defensive, I'd say "I'm not sure it was even there when we first went in?!" or " it was definitely there the last time we went in?!" or " I'll check with DH, but I haven moved it, no"!!

I really hope that you find it OP, how weird.

extrovertedintrovertmum · 16/01/2022 01:20

Intrigued for the outcome on this.

DoTheyKnowItsLemonJuice · 16/01/2022 01:20

We need to know exactly what your message to her said!

LunaAndHerMoonDragons · 16/01/2022 01:27

@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.
This would be me. I misplaced a tablet recently, found it accidentally several days later when putting laundry away. I think this would be far more likely than the neighbour stealing it.
GatoradeMeBitch · 16/01/2022 01:46

Do look everywhere. It could happen that just as you were heading out you thought "Oh, I'll hide my laptop behind the bookcase or in the airing cupboard" or something then instantly forgot about it.

If once you've checked everywhere, it's not there, then they've nicked it. Call the police, and get your locks changed.

Flickflak · 16/01/2022 01:51

This reply has been withdrawn

Message from MNHQ: This post has been withdrawn

FireDancer1 · 16/01/2022 01:54

I think she found it, and that's why OP hasn't returned to this post. Feeling a little embarrassed 🤭

MrsMcNtobe · 16/01/2022 01:57

Any updates 🙈

GatoradeMeBitch · 16/01/2022 01:58

I doubt they would deliberately steal your laptop because they would clearly be the prime suspects and fall out with you.

But I wonder if it's possible that they or one of them took it - to use your netflix account, or just to snoop - and intended to return it but forgot until they got your text? Not that that helps you, because they wouldn't feel able to return it now.

CrabbyAggie · 16/01/2022 02:14

Are you sure you didn’t decide to take it with you at the last minute. In the bottom of suitcase? In carry on bag? In the back of the car?

I find it hard to believe anyone would be so stupid as to steal something like that from a neighbour who had given them keys to their house so they’d be the prime suspects with a lot to lose if their jobs are anything to go by. It’s not like you wouldn’t notice it was gone.

Westmeathtip · 16/01/2022 02:31

Just here for the update!

MimiDaisy11 · 16/01/2022 04:13

I’d like to see updates too 😊

TheDuchessOfBeddington · 16/01/2022 04:50

I don’t know if anyone on this thread has read the Martin Amis novel titled ‘Money’?

Well I found several hundred £ in cash that I stashed in that book (for safekeeping) years later. I had no reconciliation of the incident until I remembered I had put it in the ‘Money’ book to remind me where the money was!

Anyway I’m sure you get my point.

marpelier · 16/01/2022 05:04

Found it OP?

Aloha7373 · 16/01/2022 05:05

Give us a shout when you find it

Bloodybridget · 16/01/2022 05:07

I'm interested to hear what happens too, but I'm not holding my breath for an update at 5am! Are people never allowed to sleep?

YouWereGr8InLittleMenstruators · 16/01/2022 06:02

I do some occasional pet sitting for friends and neighbours, and my immediate thought is that NDN accidentally failed to lock up properly and that someone's got in. It can be tricky with unfamiliar keys, especially in a rush in the dark before or after work. For this reason, I would never send DP or DC to feed the neighbour's pet; I need to be 100% sure the door is properly locked.

Livebythecoast · 16/01/2022 06:04

Here for the update too - I'm up as my cat decided to chuck a hairball up at 5.30am - the noise she makes wakes me from my deepest slumber Angry

marpelier · 16/01/2022 06:10

I'm awake because it is Sunday afternoon in Australia and it's too hot outside so am waiting for sun to go off pool before going for a swim.
My vote is it is under her jumpers in a drawer or on top of the fridge.

KaptainKaveman · 16/01/2022 06:22

I think she stole it.

KatherineJaneway · 16/01/2022 06:29

@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.
Oh come on, pretty clear if you text 'have you seen my laptop' it means 'I think you've nicked it'.
YourenutsmiLord · 16/01/2022 06:36

If someone broke in what else that is lying around might they steal - answer is probaby nothing that can easily be passed on so check back doors and windows.

Palavah · 16/01/2022 06:36

@JenniferAlisonPhilippaSue

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?
Btw it's Occam's razor :)
cookiemonster2468 · 16/01/2022 06:55

It seems pretty unlikely that they'd steal your laptop tbh.

A teacher and a bank worker? Both decent jobs, presumably they're not exactly destitute. Why would they nick your laptop when they have to keep a friendly relationship with you, and it would be the most obvious thing in the world that they'd be suspected as they were cat-sitting for you.

I just don't think many people in that position would steal a laptop. What would be the benefit? Was it a swanky macbook/ gaming laptop or a regular Windows laptop?

It's a lot more likely you've put it away somewhere and forgotten.

cookiemonster2468 · 16/01/2022 06:58

@YourenutsmiLord

If someone broke in what else that is lying around might they steal - answer is probaby nothing that can easily be passed on so check back doors and windows.
Yes this is another possibility. Had someone break in once and all they stole was a laptop and a mobile that were in plain sight. They don't necessarily hang around rummaging through drawers if they are opportunists.

The truth is you will likely never actually know and will just have to claim on your insurance if it doesn't turn up (if you have insurance).

For the sake of your relationship with your neighbours, I think you just have to assume they are telling the truth unless you get some evidence to indicate they aren't (and they probably are).