To be concerned about my neighbours?

[Lynn981]

My neighbours are a young couple with a toddler. I normally seem them but I haven’t for 3 days now. All their lights and curtains hahe been drawn but their cars are still on the drive and haven’t moved. Or am I over thinking? It just seems a bit unusual. We are rural and you can’t really get to anywhere without a car, not even local shop. Also they’re not abroad or anything, as I actually spoke to the lady neighbour the other day and she said someone from the council was meant to be coming round

You’re overthinking. They haven’t driven anywhere for three days. So what?

Yes but I normally see them, and their lights are always on in the evenings, and they haven’t been for 3 nights. Also curtains drawn, which is unusual for them

So their lights and curtains are changing from day to night? Then they are at home - alive! - and maybe just holed up with the lurgy that is going around at the moment? It just sounds like they haven't left home for three days - which would be really normal if you're brought low with a nasty cold or similar.

No, the curtains have stayed drawn. And no lights on at all, for 3 nights

I meant that their lights are normally on of an evening. But they haven’t been

Right, sorry it wasn't clear. I am guessing you are not friendly enough with them to have a mobile number to drop a message to?

If you are concerned would you make up an excuse to knock on the door.
Ask if they took in a package for you or something?

Sorry, I didn’t explain it the best! No numbers. We do help each other out with things and I usually see them very often, even just walking past with their dog. But nothing

I'd be worried too given it sounds from what she said they were going to be around and it's unusual for them. Have you tried knocking?

You've knocked a few times, yes?

If there's no answer, maybe they are abroad due to a last minute problem/family death etc.

Although, I’d think if anything had happened, the dog would be barking? But it’s been silent. But it’s still quite unusual. And you really can’t get anywhere without the car around here

Just seen re the dog. I'd definitely knock and see if it barks. Do you know anyone that might have their number? Personally I'd rather a neighbour checked on me unnecessarily then didn't check when something was very wrong.

If the dog didn't bark when you knocked, they're probably not in.

My cars were in the driveway when a van had taken us to the airport. If in doubt, knock and check. Better to be concerned if things seem unusual.

If there is a child involved then I would report this to the police.

Mention to them that you are concerned that there is no sign of life in the house and that their car is there and that it is all very unusual. Then leave it to the police to do a welfare check.

I haven’t knocked yet, I’ll be honest. I’m going to tomorrow. Just wanted to check what others thought, if I was over thinking

Dog not barking isnt definitive. I doubt my dog would bark in that sort of situation.

I'd also be worried in case they've gone out for a walk and something has happened.

I thought this, as they do tend to do an evening walk. I only know this as they usually walk past my front window every evening with the dog and pram, usually the same sort of time.

Just knock on the door.

Aye. Knock on.

By far the most likely explanation is that they have gone on holiday.

I think it’s lovely you’re raising a concern. Some of the earlier responses to your OP make me fear for humanity. Please go and knock the door. They may well have gone on holiday but you may find out more by going. Hope everything is ok.

Quite possibly. It’s just a bit strange as when I spoke to her she said someone from the council was coming round and then also the last time they went away somewhere in the UK, they asked I just keep an eye out on the house for them. But they never mentioned a holiday. But I know it could still be

I'd be worried about them suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, or something. I would definitely knock on the door, try to look in, and maybe contact the police if I still felt uneasy. Have you ever heard them arguing?

I drove past my sister’s house today. She’s away and I noticed they’ve left their curtains closed. We never do this, but I guess some do. It doesn’t sound like you know these neighbours so well that they’d tell you whenever they go away.

But - I don’t think there’s any harm in knocking tomorrow. I’d make up an excuse just in case they’re there and think you’re nosey.