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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

more a wwyd - cutting holiday short

209 replies

Auntieobem · 19/07/2023 08:22

Am on week long stay in rented house, with elderly mum, dp, dB and nephew and my 2 daughters. Last night was our second night here - first was uneventful. So, kitchen at back with big windows/ doors to garden which leads to public path and beach. Around midnight there's a very bright strobe light shone through kitchen. DB goes outside- its a group of kids. So we try to ignore. Goes on for about 20 minutes. Then there's knocking at front door - noone there. Light appears again and then we hear what we think are stones being thrown at back. Front door then gets kicked and windows knocked on. By now my youngest is terrified, as is my mum. DP and DB follow the kids at front and get abuse shouted at them. DP and DB stay at front door until after 1.30, when it all goes quiet.

We didn't call police, very rural here and assumed that by time they'd arrive it would be over, and that police would escalate

I messaged house owner last night to say we'd be leaving today. We don't feel safe.

This was first time I've spent time with DB and DM in years. So disappointed.

Would you leave? We spent over £1500 on house. What refund (if any?) would you expect?

OP posts:
LegendsBeyond · 19/07/2023 09:41

Is this Wales? We had similar. It was extremely intimidating. We think it was orchestrated by locals. Pathetic really. I’d go home & try for the refund.

Original poster
Auntieobem · 19/07/2023 09:42

Have spoken with owner who is hopeful they'll be able to identify the boys from video amd speak to their parents. She's been v understanding about us wanting to leave. She's v concerned- this is her house which she lets in summer. I know its not her fault. She has said of we choose to leave she'll sort out a refund - I guess her thinking is that one bad review could ruin future business. (I don't intend to leave a bad review and did not mention that to her before anyone jumps down my throat.)

OP posts:
Hateitissues · 19/07/2023 09:44

Auntieobem · 19/07/2023 09:42

Have spoken with owner who is hopeful they'll be able to identify the boys from video amd speak to their parents. She's been v understanding about us wanting to leave. She's v concerned- this is her house which she lets in summer. I know its not her fault. She has said of we choose to leave she'll sort out a refund - I guess her thinking is that one bad review could ruin future business. (I don't intend to leave a bad review and did not mention that to her before anyone jumps down my throat.)

But wouldn’t that have helped you if you’d read such a review? Reviews are only shit when they’re untrue

Crocksnsocks · 19/07/2023 09:46

I don’t understand why you didn’t call the police. Even if they weren’t able to come.

Sugargliderwombat · 19/07/2023 09:46

How old were the kids ? Were they drunk?

BiddyBee · 19/07/2023 09:48

hopeishere · 19/07/2023 09:07

We had this once. A load of kids running round the back of the house. It only happened one night. I'd not leave.

So actually you didn't have this once. Kids running around the back is a whole different ball game to kicking doors, knocking windows, throwing stones, shining strobe lights. OPs experience sounds like a campaign against holiday lets.

OP is away with her family for a nice, relaxing time not to show defiance in the face of midnight attacks.

OP you should have called the police. The youths are likely known to them. I'd also be tempted to post on the local fb page as you never know what that can throw up.

Sorry your holiday has been ruined.

Sugargliderwombat · 19/07/2023 09:50

Sorry just seen that you have a ring doorbell. Honestly op open the door very quickly and say in a very stern voice something like if you don't stop ill be speaking to your school/mum/the police. Some kids won't give a hoot but most will be a bit shaken.

NoTouch · 19/07/2023 09:50

Teens messing about, hopefully a one off. If you want to give up your holiday for that then it is your decision.

I would stay for at least another night and phone the police if it happened again.

I would not ask for, or accept a refund if offered.

Sugargliderwombat · 19/07/2023 09:51

Sugargliderwombat · 19/07/2023 09:50

Sorry just seen that you have a ring doorbell. Honestly op open the door very quickly and say in a very stern voice something like if you don't stop ill be speaking to your school/mum/the police. Some kids won't give a hoot but most will be a bit shaken.

Oh it has posted my reply to another thread here haha, sorry!!! It does sound like some terrible advice for this thread 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Oddsockday · 19/07/2023 09:51

WandaWonder · 19/07/2023 08:50

Something tells me the op will come back and say a full refund was given plus added money just for the fun of it

Call to police and not expecting a refund is genuinely what should have happened

You were spot on 😂😂

JudgeAnderson · 19/07/2023 09:52

Another day, another bunch of lovely people sticking the boot into a distressed OP who has had an upsetting experience.
Saddos.

JudgeAnderson · 19/07/2023 09:53

Throwing stones and kicking the door... Hardly rampaging with an AK47 behaviour.. You must have had a sheltered life op.

And you must have grown up in a shithole if you think that's normal.

JudgeRudy · 19/07/2023 09:53

Your mum definitely wanted to go home but what about the rest of you? Sound though like you've already made up your mind. You've been very fortunate to have been offered a refund. If you get out soon the host might be able to rent it out again for a few days and recoup some costs.
Whilst I accept it could have been a bit alarming, it sounds like it's just kids larking about rather than a robber/madman/murderer/flesh eating zombie. I'd definitely forward info to the police particularly if you have video footage.

Caroparo52 · 19/07/2023 09:55

Think you should contact the holiday owner immediately to explain the situation and explain how upset you are. Listen to their explanation and suggestions.
This may shed light on the situation and clarify your next move.
It isn't the owner's fault. But if this has happened before they should have tackled the situation or given you warning.
As a holiday cottage owner I would not offer a refund immediately. I would want to try and rectify the problem first instance.
£1500 is a lot of money for you to loose and also for the owner.
Situation needs sorting.

MNHQ
HopeMumsnet · 19/07/2023 09:56

Hi there,
Thanks to those who reported concerns, this is just to say that we've had a look behind the scenes and while we can never say 100% whether a poster is telling the truth, we can say with complete conviction that she has been a member of MN for over a decade and has a solidly decent posting history with us.

JudgeAnderson · 19/07/2023 09:57

Where I live, gangs of teens are what I'm most frightened of. There seems to be no obvious deterrant to their antisocial behaviour and they commit serious crimes including serious assault and sometimes murder. And yes this is the UK. So people saying this is just "kids mucking about" are minimising imo. I mean they could just as easily decide on a spot of arson tonight.

Mummysalwaysright · 19/07/2023 09:59

FoodFann · 19/07/2023 08:31

Yes, speak to the police, they might tell you that it’s a common problem for that property. In which case, you’d ample have grounds for a full refund because the home owner knew they were putting you in danger

It doesn't sound nice, but it's not exactly "putting them in danger".

I assume the OP has gone somewhere where locals cannot buy homes anymore due to all the second home / AirBnB places forcing younger people out. It's not your fault, but if you don't complain to the police it will just be your choice to leave early and I can't see how you can ask for a refund.

Ohpleeeease · 19/07/2023 10:00

Seems like the owner has been pretty decent about a refund. I would have called the police personally but understand why you didn’t. Also don’t blame you for leaving as you must now be on edge and that’s not the holiday you hoped for. Put it behind you now and make all evidence you have available to the owner then she can decide if she wants to take it further.

IcedBananas · 19/07/2023 10:00

I cant understand why you didn’t call the police last night? They may not have arrived in time but they may have. And even if the kids had already left the police probably would have found them still hanging about nearby. Call the police now and see what they advise for tonight. I’d probably stay but, definitely report it today so they are aware, and call police immediately this evening if there’s anything going on.

Conkersinautumn · 19/07/2023 10:00

I'd assume Cornwall, so definitely no point in reporting!

BiddyBee · 19/07/2023 10:03

JudgeAnderson · 19/07/2023 09:52

Another day, another bunch of lovely people sticking the boot into a distressed OP who has had an upsetting experience.
Saddos.

I agree. Tediously predictable the goading and deliberate misrepresenting what OP has said. Happens on so many threads.

LAMPS1 · 19/07/2023 10:03

If you booked through an agency, call them and ask if there’s a possibility of being transferred to another property, giving full reasons for your request. They may also have had similar reports and can find a solution for you all.
You were right to tell the owner exactly why you have decided to leave early. What was the response ? I wouldn’t expect a refund if you insist on leaving without giving the owner or agency a chance to take it seriously and try to put things right.
I agree that reporting this incident to the police this morning will be helpful all round and is the correct thing to do.
It must have been scary for the elderly parent and the children, but I hope it’s possible to find a solution without giving up on your holiday.

Toddlerteaplease · 19/07/2023 10:04

I wouldn't leave, why would you throw money down the drain.

Toddlerteaplease · 19/07/2023 10:09

I also don't think the home owner should refund you. It's not her fault.

Griswalld · 19/07/2023 10:10

JudgeAnderson · 19/07/2023 09:53

Throwing stones and kicking the door... Hardly rampaging with an AK47 behaviour.. You must have had a sheltered life op.

And you must have grown up in a shithole if you think that's normal.

Yer agreed, christ. Some really shitty people posting on this thread who see to have more respect for the little shits causing the trouble than some decent, ordinary law abiding people.

Maybe if you folk get off hounding people on MN and control your twatty teenagers, the rest of us can try to enjoy our lives.