Page 7 | Neighbour kicked my door down/broke in

Sparklfairy · 2024-09-22T19:51:53+00:00

AIBU to expect the police to arrest/remove him...? I live alone in a flat in a block of 4. I have met this neighbour just once, and introduced myself. A few weeks ago he knocked on my door, not threateningly, but persistently - consistent knocking for 3-4 minutes... at 1.30am. I was awake as I WFH but nights, and just ignored it. He went away, and there's been nothing since. Until yesterday at 6-something in the morning. Again, I was working but the flat was in total silence. No tv or any noise that would disturb him, I was literally just sitting on my bed. Suddenly I heard a bang and froze. I was confused and didn't know what it was and was trying to work out where it was coming from. 3 or 4 further bangs and my front door burst open and he was stood there, swaying, glassy eyed. I screamed. It's a studio, tiny flat, like one of those micro flats that you see advertised but yes, this is my life and I had no escape, no room to hide in, not even a bathroom with a lock on the door (as there is no lock, and the bathroom is opposite the front door). I screamed at him, he said I was 'in' his head, fucking with his head (when I've done absolutely nothing), and when he tried to step towards me I screamed again and he suddenly 'clicked', became lucid and said ok and left. I was shaking. My other neighbour (upstairs, but next door to him), texted me saying he heard screaming, and let me take refuge in his flat. Before I did, I obviously called 999. The police seemed non committal, that someone would come out at some point. 36 hours later I've had no visit. But here is the kicker. When hiding in my neighbours flat, my friend/neighbour had the bright idea of just knocking on his door and talking to crazy tenant. He has recorded the conversation where crazy tenant admits *I did nothing wrong but I just 'remind him' of someone and that's why he broke my door down* I rang 101 with the crime ref to update. The lady was so helpful and checked with her supervisor as she was astonished no one had come out to me yet. She reassured me that someone would attend and it had been miscategorised/recategorised now. It's now nearly 9pm on Sunday and STILL nothing. I can't go home. The lock has been 'fixed' but obviously Crazy Tenant has proven that he can break it whenever he likes. I live alone. I have stressed every single detail which should have escalated this, but nothing is being done. I have chased with the letting agent but basically they're saying I have to wait until Monday for any action to be done. And even then, they were non committal as to WHAT would happen. So I'm stuck, and cannot go home, and my rent is due today. I have no idea what to do.

Noodlehen · 22/09/2024 23:17

Im confused why you won’t tell the police where you are because they have a duty of care to protect you and haven’t - but surely you have a duty of care to yourself too and delaying the neighbours arrest even by a day may weaken your case against him.

YaCannyKickYaGrannyInTheShin · 22/09/2024 23:18

Sparklfairy · 22/09/2024 23:10

The reactions to this are so weird. They have failed in their basic duty to protect me, so no, I'm not telling them where I am, because it's the only place that I am 100% safe.

However, I have made arrangements that I will go to them tomorrow morning. I'm accommodating them, just not in the way they dictate.

This is their fuck up, not mine. It's on me to protect myself because they won't.

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But you're going to tell them exactly the same thing when you go and see them, that you'd tell them if you allowed them to come and see you at the hotel? 😳

SnowyAsh · 22/09/2024 23:18

This is dreadful, you must be feeling totally traumatised. Please put in a door cam and push your landlord to put in security door. I would also email your MP about the lack of police support. Is there any chance of moving away, I can't see that you will ever feel safe there again.

spuddlesmcgoo · 22/09/2024 23:18

Sparklfairy · 22/09/2024 23:10

The reactions to this are so weird. They have failed in their basic duty to protect me, so no, I'm not telling them where I am, because it's the only place that I am 100% safe.

However, I have made arrangements that I will go to them tomorrow morning. I'm accommodating them, just not in the way they dictate.

This is their fuck up, not mine. It's on me to protect myself because they won't.

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But you’re only shooting yourself in the foot.

“You’ve failed me so now I’m going to make it even harder for you to help me as revenge!”

They won’t lose sleep over it OP, they’ll get off shift and go home to their regular lives. You’re the one who’s stuck in a hotel and frightened to go home, there’s no advantage to stringing it out even longer and will give them a preconceived idea that you’re a bit suspicious and uncooperative (I’m not saying that you are, just how it may be perceived).

Autumnleaveswhenthegrassisjewelled · 22/09/2024 23:19

Heya OP I used to rent from Caxtons and they weren't great. İ'd be writing your story all over the local residents Facebook group and on Kent police Facebook page also. I don't know if you're in a city in Kent, but the city I live in, I was told my an ex police officer he had to leave the force because police were told not to investigate a lot of crimes because they were having to keep the crime rates lower to make the city seem more appealing to higher earners.
I hope you get the help you need, it sounds horrifying.

Haggia · 22/09/2024 23:19

spuddlesmcgoo · 22/09/2024 23:18

But you’re only shooting yourself in the foot.

“You’ve failed me so now I’m going to make it even harder for you to help me as revenge!”

They won’t lose sleep over it OP, they’ll get off shift and go home to their regular lives. You’re the one who’s stuck in a hotel and frightened to go home, there’s no advantage to stringing it out even longer and will give them a preconceived idea that you’re a bit suspicious and uncooperative (I’m not saying that you are, just how it may be perceived).

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Agree, it would all seem less credible.

alexdgr8 · 22/09/2024 23:19

movingonok · 22/09/2024 23:15

Sorry @Sparklfairy but your thinking is illogical. I'd be looking to be rational to the police when reporting someone who has acted so unhinged. Your behaviour could throw doubt on the situation as you're sounding odd.

i have to agree with this.
OP, please take note, we are trying to help you.
maybe you have been more disturbed, traumatised, by what's happened than you realise.
you may not have the objectivity at the moment to understand the impression you may be making.

YaCannyKickYaGrannyInTheShin · 22/09/2024 23:20

spuddlesmcgoo · 22/09/2024 23:18

But you’re only shooting yourself in the foot.

“You’ve failed me so now I’m going to make it even harder for you to help me as revenge!”

They won’t lose sleep over it OP, they’ll get off shift and go home to their regular lives. You’re the one who’s stuck in a hotel and frightened to go home, there’s no advantage to stringing it out even longer and will give them a preconceived idea that you’re a bit suspicious and uncooperative (I’m not saying that you are, just how it may be perceived).

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Very well put.

Tartantotty · 22/09/2024 23:20

This is serious. Your neighbour is either on drugs, alcohol or has severe mental issues.

You must contact the Police again, say you are terrified that something will happen and breaking down a door is an offence.. Emphasise that you live alone and this is a serious breach of the peace. They should act immediately.

If at all possible go to stay with a friend or even book into a cheap b&b until the issue is resolved. And of course report immediately to your landlord/lady who should also step in as this is their property.

YaCannyKickYaGrannyInTheShin · 22/09/2024 23:21

Tartantotty · 22/09/2024 23:20

This is serious. Your neighbour is either on drugs, alcohol or has severe mental issues.

You must contact the Police again, say you are terrified that something will happen and breaking down a door is an offence.. Emphasise that you live alone and this is a serious breach of the peace. They should act immediately.

If at all possible go to stay with a friend or even book into a cheap b&b until the issue is resolved. And of course report immediately to your landlord/lady who should also step in as this is their property.

Could you at least attempt to read a few of the OP's posts?

Believeinmarmite · 22/09/2024 23:23

Did you update the at all with where you were, is there a chance they could have tied to visit you at your flat while you weren't there. Shitty situation though, hope you and neighbour get the support you need

CagneyAndLazy · 22/09/2024 23:23

Tartantotty · 22/09/2024 23:20

This is serious. Your neighbour is either on drugs, alcohol or has severe mental issues.

You must contact the Police again, say you are terrified that something will happen and breaking down a door is an offence.. Emphasise that you live alone and this is a serious breach of the peace. They should act immediately.

If at all possible go to stay with a friend or even book into a cheap b&b until the issue is resolved. And of course report immediately to your landlord/lady who should also step in as this is their property.

Why do people reply without reading at least some of OP's posts?

poetryandwine · 22/09/2024 23:25

Sparklfairy · 22/09/2024 21:49

I won't, absolutely not. I have only called back once to update when I actually have an update. He has been coming and going freely and is acting like nothing has happened.

I am in a hotel, and have drafted a complaint to my letting agent. I'm about to send it. If anyone can refine it I'd really appreciate it.

"I am very disappointed that you did not even acknowledge my email on Saturday, especially considering your duty of care obligation. You have used this 'wellbeing' of tenants to invade my privacy in the past, yet it seems completely contradictory that my safety and 'wellbeing' is being compromised now.

The Yale lock was replaced at almost 8pm on Saturday. I was so grateful that the locksmith didn't just 'clock off' after his last job ran over and he still came, but he was disgusted at the state you left the security of a vulnerable woman living alone in a flat without any escape or even a bathroom door lock. He even gave me advice to barricade the door for 'when' it happens again. I cannot barricade it. A stool was left by another tenant but it would serve no purpose. I do not have the space to accommodate other furniture to wedge, as he advised, between the door and the wall. I have nothing to protect myself.

The Yale replacement itself is as useless as no replacement at all - as the unstable tenant above me has demonstrated he can easily break it and enter my flat with little more than 4 firm kicks to the weakest point.

I note that my rent is due today. I also note that my statutory right to quiet enjoyment of my flat, free from threats, harassment, and violence, has been breached with not even a reassuring email from you, or someone covering for you at Caxtons in the event of an emergency. Of course, there is no dispute that my inability to stay in my flat due to your unpredictable and violent tenant (who can break a Yale lock in less than 10 seconds with no provocation whatsoever because of his drug use) is an emergency.

If indeed you try to claim that there is a term (implied or otherwise) within the tenancy agreement that I am obligated to pay the rent even when the property is so clearly and indisputably uninhabitable, I draw your attention to The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Terms that are unfair or unclear, such as requiring tenants to pay rent for an uninhabitable property, are not enforceable in law. This includes terms that are not explicitly defined, but implied by the actions of the Landlord and/or their agents.

I have already had to pay £138.38 for two nights in a Travelodge at short notice which will be extended indefinitely until the tenant is removed. I will, of course, be making my civil claim for losses and damages against Caxtons directly and not the Landlord if you allow this situation to escalate to that point. Mr [Landlord's name] has done absolutely nothing wrong; it is purely your failure in your duty of care that you are so quick to abuse and misrepresent when it allows you to invade my privacy that means Caxtons alone is liable for my losses.

Once the tenant has been removed, I will make a pro rata rent payment calculated for the days that the property was uninhabitable for the August-September period to offset the current September-October payment due. If the Landlord wishes to pursue this loss in rent in a civil claim, I have and will continue to collect evidence of your failure in service which demonstrates that it is not me who has breached the contract, but you. I will assist Mr [Landlord's name] by any means necessary to mitigate his losses due to your failure in service.

I await your swift resolution to this matter."
"

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I am new to the thread. Boundless sympathy and outrage on your behalf, OP.

However I think that you will have a higher likelihood of getting somewhere with Caxtons even with management level, if you used shorter, sharper sentences. Many of the nation’s undergraduates would give up on this, and that is not a criticism if your writing, only to say that deciphering reasonably complex sentence is something many feel as an imposition.

I particularly commend you for separating out your LL from this mess as it does seem that Caxtons is responsible (though have no idea of the legal position). Very best wishes with this awful situation

CuttySarcasm · 22/09/2024 23:25

spuddlesmcgoo · 22/09/2024 23:18

But you’re only shooting yourself in the foot.

“You’ve failed me so now I’m going to make it even harder for you to help me as revenge!”

They won’t lose sleep over it OP, they’ll get off shift and go home to their regular lives. You’re the one who’s stuck in a hotel and frightened to go home, there’s no advantage to stringing it out even longer and will give them a preconceived idea that you’re a bit suspicious and uncooperative (I’m not saying that you are, just how it may be perceived).

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I agree with this, you're coming across as a bit strange now Op, the sooner you give the police a full statement the sooner they can do something, yes they've been shit, but they're trying to help.
You not saying where you are comes across as odd and obstructive. Not the way to get the expeditious outcome you want.

BlackShuck3 · 22/09/2024 23:27

I'm so sorry for what you are going through OP.
I agree that being antagonistic towards the police is counterproductive. Yes they should be better but I would still be as polite & co-operative towards them as possible.
Also your e-mail is too long, it would be better if it was succinct & factual, remove the 'sarcasm'.

Neodymium · 22/09/2024 23:37

Sparklfairy · 22/09/2024 23:17

I'm not sure if you're aware, so I will explain.

I rang 999 just before 7am. Approx 6 hours later they then rang me from 101 and basically took a statement. There isn't anything that I said in that call that I wouldn't have said in person. They know everything now.

Then a few hours later a woman rang from the police, and said she was shocked that no one had attended. She ran it up the chain of command and came back to me saying it had been recategorised, and apologised.

Then at 10pm tonight, they rang and asked questions, essentially taking another statement. I am not being obdurate by refusing to give my location. Put simply, I don't trust the police anymore, and I will go to them to do whatever it is they're going to do (or not do). I dgaf if it's 'suspicious' or whatever else you want to label it. I will coordinate with them, but on my terms. They had ample opportunity to do their fucking job, and now my priority is me.

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I’m not trying to upset you. I have read the whole story and think it’s terrible that the police didn’t immediately turn up. But I just don’t see the logic in refusing to tell them your location. Regardless of your reasons, they will perceive it as you being obstructive. Like a pp said you are just shooting yourself in the foot. They won’t care. They won’t reflect on how it was handled. The person on the phone won’t be upset you wouldn’t say where you are. They won’t be thinking geez we did the wrong thing and now we will suffer by not knowing the location. Not telling them will not hurt the police in the slightest. But it is holding you up.

soberholic · 22/09/2024 23:37

Sparklfairy · 22/09/2024 22:40

Because all I'm doing is giving them information that they then don't use. It highlights their failing, that they haven't attended when they should have. And now I have to come to them because they failed in their duty of care.

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I'm sorry I don't understand this train of thought.

Original poster

Sparklfairy · 22/09/2024 23:39

CuttySarcasm · 22/09/2024 23:25

I agree with this, you're coming across as a bit strange now Op, the sooner you give the police a full statement the sooner they can do something, yes they've been shit, but they're trying to help.
You not saying where you are comes across as odd and obstructive. Not the way to get the expeditious outcome you want.

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I'm sorry, but this is nonsense.

My lock has been repaired. Are you seriously saying that because they 'attended' the premises (or wherever I am) that they would instantly go and arrest him?

With respect, check your privilege. Because as far as I can see, if they went over to him and he straight up denied it, it's literally my word against his.

I had enough foresight to film the state of the lock, I have a witness in the form of the locksmith, and I have the recording of him admitting that it wasn't anything to do with me, I just 'remind him of someone'.

All of that has come later. Because I knew that the CPS would do sweet fuck all with what they had. I've had to build my own fucking case. Only now do they have enough evidence to prosecute.

Have any of you thought about what would happen if they came to my flat and then decided they WOULDN'T arrest him? That would fucking antagonise him to the point that I wouldn't come out of it alive. He's gone from knocking, to breaking the door in, with no escalation from me and no provocation. What's the next step from breaking the door in? Murder.

OP posts:

TouringTheTearooms · 22/09/2024 23:41

It must have been awful and very frightening op. And it's terrible how long it's taken the police to respond.

However, you've entirely shot yourself in the foot with your recent actions. Refusing to tell the police where you are, refusing a visit, being difficult with the responding caller. You're not doing anything positive for yourself and you're certainly not one-upping them as, bizarrely, you seem to think you are.

They'll already have rolled eyes at your refusal to let them come out and now have you down as an awkward possible nutter to be wary of.

fashionqueen0123 · 22/09/2024 23:41

Sparklfairy · 22/09/2024 22:32

Wow. I've literally just had a call from the police.

A woman wanted to know my location i.e. the hotel, which I refused to give and explained that they had left me for 36 hours+ with the perpetrator literally feet away and they don't know if/when they will come out.

She then basically tried to say that because they didn't know where I was, that meant that they 'couldn't' follow up. I immediately offered to attend a police station and pointed out that she should have offered the same. She then got defensive, and eventually we have come to an agreement of 11am tomorrow at the local police station.

Why the fuck are they more focused on covering their arses.

That’s crazy. They could have phoned you at any time…

YaCannyKickYaGrannyInTheShin · 22/09/2024 23:43

Sparklfairy · 22/09/2024 23:39

I'm sorry, but this is nonsense.

My lock has been repaired. Are you seriously saying that because they 'attended' the premises (or wherever I am) that they would instantly go and arrest him?

With respect, check your privilege. Because as far as I can see, if they went over to him and he straight up denied it, it's literally my word against his.

I had enough foresight to film the state of the lock, I have a witness in the form of the locksmith, and I have the recording of him admitting that it wasn't anything to do with me, I just 'remind him of someone'.

All of that has come later. Because I knew that the CPS would do sweet fuck all with what they had. I've had to build my own fucking case. Only now do they have enough evidence to prosecute.

Have any of you thought about what would happen if they came to my flat and then decided they WOULDN'T arrest him? That would fucking antagonise him to the point that I wouldn't come out of it alive. He's gone from knocking, to breaking the door in, with no escalation from me and no provocation. What's the next step from breaking the door in? Murder.

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I'm not getting the link between what you've typed here, and why you wouldn't let them go to the hotel you're staying in tonight?

Neodymium · 22/09/2024 23:45

YaCannyKickYaGrannyInTheShin · 22/09/2024 23:43

I'm not getting the link between what you've typed here, and why you wouldn't let them go to the hotel you're staying in tonight?

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I agree. Wouldn’t them getting a statement and evidence from you at the hotel be better in that case? It now sounds like you didn’t want them to go to your flat.

Original poster

Sparklfairy · 22/09/2024 23:45

YaCannyKickYaGrannyInTheShin · 22/09/2024 23:43

I'm not getting the link between what you've typed here, and why you wouldn't let them go to the hotel you're staying in tonight?

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Okay so they wouldn't have come immediately. I'd have had to stay up all night waiting for whenever they had time. Surely it's better that I define the time of 11am tomorrow that just wait for them to turn up, or not turn up.

OP posts:

Neodymium · 22/09/2024 23:48

Sparklfairy · 22/09/2024 23:45

Okay so they wouldn't have come immediately. I'd have had to stay up all night waiting for whenever they had time. Surely it's better that I define the time of 11am tomorrow that just wait for them to turn up, or not turn up.

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Well that makes more sense.

’im staying at the holiday inn. However I’m really tired and need to sleep as I haven’t slept in 36 hours. I would prefer to come to the station at 11:30 tomorrow to make my statement rather than wait for someone to attend here tonight’

YaCannyKickYaGrannyInTheShin · 22/09/2024 23:48

Sparklfairy · 22/09/2024 23:45

Okay so they wouldn't have come immediately. I'd have had to stay up all night waiting for whenever they had time. Surely it's better that I define the time of 11am tomorrow that just wait for them to turn up, or not turn up.

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Well why didn't you just say this then?

What you said instead was that you don't trust them, and then replied to various posters asking why/telling you it comes across as odd.

At no point did you say it was because you wanted to go to bed.