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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Increase of break in across my suburb?

15 replies

Option27 · 28/07/2023 10:40

The area we live in is being subjected to a huge amount of increased break ins, daily in a small area. Youth crime is a huge problem. A woman was stabbed to death recently during a break in gone wrong. AIBU to keep a cricket bat in our room? DH isn't always home and even if he was I'd like to have something to defend ourselves.
It goes without saying they could take ANYTHING in the house, bar DDog but I'd like to feel safer sleeping at night. We heard a car patrolling last night and DH was up watching what it was up to as that seems to be the pattern. They seem to be targeting cars, quick snatch and grabs but we fit the profile of the car they steal.

OP posts:
Oddsockday · 28/07/2023 10:45

I wouldn't advise defending yourself with a cricket bat. If you get in a scuffle and they pull a knife it could be very dangerous. Keep your phone upstairs and the car keys downstairs.

Poppysmom22 · 28/07/2023 13:03

Wheel clamp? Leave your keys on the stairs so they don't have a reason to come up.

Mummysalwaysright · 28/07/2023 13:11

Remove the planks / treads from the bottom 2 or 3 stairs every night, so the burglars fall over and wake you up when they come in.

You can get signs that say "we believe in old style justice" with pictures of stocks / gallows etc. to put in your front windows.

You and your partner could try sleeping in shifts with one of you always sitting on a rocking chair in the front doorway keeping watch.

Get some flood lighting to light up the whole front of your property all night.

If you have the room, you could keep pigs in the back yard as they are great for disposing of "anything" that might disposing of. They even crunch up bones. Everyone knows the story of the wife-beater's arm and the pig field.

uptheantrimcoast · 28/07/2023 13:15

Mummysalwaysright · 28/07/2023 13:11

Remove the planks / treads from the bottom 2 or 3 stairs every night, so the burglars fall over and wake you up when they come in.

You can get signs that say "we believe in old style justice" with pictures of stocks / gallows etc. to put in your front windows.

You and your partner could try sleeping in shifts with one of you always sitting on a rocking chair in the front doorway keeping watch.

Get some flood lighting to light up the whole front of your property all night.

If you have the room, you could keep pigs in the back yard as they are great for disposing of "anything" that might disposing of. They even crunch up bones. Everyone knows the story of the wife-beater's arm and the pig field.

This is uncalled for.

OP, there has been an increase where I live too and I agree it's concerning.

DarkDarkNight · 28/07/2023 13:22

It’s scary I agree. Have a look on YouTube for some videos on how to deter burglars - things like a visible alarm, motion sensor lights that switch on when someone walks by. Make your house an unattractive prospect and not worth the effort.

I wouldn’t confront anyone, no possession is worth it. Does the car manufacturer have some general advice? Is it a keyless car?

Wakeywake · 28/07/2023 13:22

If they are bold enough to attack you in your room, a cricket bat will be no use to you and could make a dangerous situation even more dangerous.

Whatkindofuckeryisthis · 28/07/2023 13:22

We got CCTV when our car window was smashed and all of 50p was stolen! It’s really put my mind at ease. Also a light out the back and front. Ensure front and back doors have secure locks and have a “Beware of the dog” sign.

tt9 · 28/07/2023 14:35

a cricket bat will only get you into more trouble. I would recommend an alarm system and cctv... HIVE is very affordable. if you are extremely concerned, you can upgrade your Windows and doors to toughened glass, multipoint locks and keys that can't be copied in key shops. but those options are pretty price.

Work2live · 28/07/2023 14:48

Definitely get visible CCTV/Ring doorbell and motion sensor lights. I'd also recommend getting a locksmith to replace any standard locks with Ultion or similar.

Agree with pp though, having a weapon in your bedroom could probably make a situation worse. It's sensible to make your house as unappealing as possible to burglars, and agree that leaving your car keys in an obvious spot (although not within reaching distance of your letterbox!) is a good idea - if someone breaks in they'll see them straight away and probably won't bother you.

Cheesusisgrate · 28/07/2023 14:49

Small fire extinguishers.
If you keep a weapon you will not be looked at favourably. But extinguishers are not weapons. Dual bonus in them. I always kept one by the be in case of failed smoke alarm in emergency. You can use them for self defence. And the loud bastarding alams on windows and doors. It gives you peace of mind

ohsuzannah · 28/07/2023 14:58

Mummysalwaysright · 28/07/2023 13:11

Remove the planks / treads from the bottom 2 or 3 stairs every night, so the burglars fall over and wake you up when they come in.

You can get signs that say "we believe in old style justice" with pictures of stocks / gallows etc. to put in your front windows.

You and your partner could try sleeping in shifts with one of you always sitting on a rocking chair in the front doorway keeping watch.

Get some flood lighting to light up the whole front of your property all night.

If you have the room, you could keep pigs in the back yard as they are great for disposing of "anything" that might disposing of. They even crunch up bones. Everyone knows the story of the wife-beater's arm and the pig field.

What a stupid post 😡

Whammyyammy · 28/07/2023 15:11

18 stone (not fat) ex boxer husband & 2 big alaskan malamutes. I'd actually feel sorry for someone breaking into our home...

tescocreditcard · 28/07/2023 15:19

I knew crime would increase the worse the COL crisis got

ohsuzannah · 28/07/2023 16:06

My DP got threatened with a knife when he went out to stop 2 scummy thieves from stealing his classic car. They did run off thank God, but he got glass in both his feet as he ran out barefoot and they had smashed the window 😐

ohsuzannah · 28/07/2023 16:08

We now have 3 blink cameras and a Yale alarm system. Should give us plenty of warning!

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