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Victims of crime

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Original poster

Burgled, don't think I can sleep in this house again

15 replies

violetpixie · 01/06/2023 22:05

Are there any options for emergency accommodation for someone who doesn't feel safe in their home at all anymore? I was burgled yesterday and stayed with family for the night (not really an option going forward) but I don't think I'm ever going to sleep in this house again unless I pass out from sleep deprivation.

I feel like if I fall asleep I'm putting my son in danger.

I know all windows and doors are locked but even the policeman said that the style of doors and windows I have are really insecure. The wood is rotting and you could easily get into without needing to break a window.

OP posts:
nunsflipflop · 01/06/2023 22:12

That’s so awful for you. We attach a high security value to our homes. I was burgled at night when I was in bed reading, never heard a thing until I heard our car pull away. He then wrote the car off in the next street.

Could you look into an alarm? There are some inexpensive types and maybe some cctv?

I really feel for you, I know how violated you feel, but if you don’t sleep you’re definitely letting your son down because you’re making yourself ill. You will get over this in time.

User65412 · 01/06/2023 22:17

I'm so sorry. Its absolutely awful. How are you doing?
We were burgled and my insecurity at home lasted quite a while. The violation... The fear of 'what if we'd been home...?'
But time is the healer and it did pass. I made an effort to change some things around the house so it 'felt' different, moved some furniture about etc so it felt 'fresh'. Sounds silly, I know, but it really helped.
I really felt like I'd feel less safe in a new place than my own home in the end, so glad I stayed.
You've been through a lot, be kind to yourself.

Northernsoullover · 01/06/2023 22:19

Do you own the house? If it's rented you can call environmental health for an assessment. 'Entry by Intruders' is a hazard and if officers find its vulnerable your landlord may be asked to do remedial work.

Jokingette · 01/06/2023 22:21

I’m really sorry to hear you’ve been through this. Perhaps some PIR lights and a ring door bell would make you feel less anxious.

Original poster
violetpixie · 01/06/2023 22:22

It's rented, but it's up for sale so I'm a bit worried they would rather me just leave than fix the stuff. I have emailed them to say I am happy for them to screw the windows shut permanently just for security temporarily.

The burglars got in because my window was open a crack 🤦‍♀️

Part I'm really worried about is they took a few things but also still left some high value items so I feel like they are coming back for them.

OP posts:
ErinAndTonic · 01/06/2023 22:29

Did they climb through the window itself? This is my absolute worst fear so I really feel for you. It just made me double check all my doors and windows.

If you're renting surely the landlord has an obligation to ensure the home is secure? I've no idea having never rented but you'd expect that to be their responsibility surely? Can you install something like a Ring/blink doorbell if you are renting? Did they access from the front or the back?

Jokingette · 01/06/2023 22:34

If it’s up for sale the vendor will do something as there is responsibility to you and any damage will deter potential buyers. Rest assured, OP.

Jokingette · 01/06/2023 22:35

You can buy solar powered lights which are activated by movement and can be taken with you to your next property.

Original poster
violetpixie · 01/06/2023 22:37

I am looking at security camera systems but to effective they need to be screwed outside into the wall and I don't think I'd be showed to do that

OP posts:
Hungrycaterpillarsmummy · 01/06/2023 22:37

I'd think logically about this. How likely is it that a house is burgled twice on short succession? Incredibly slim
You're probably the least likely to get burgled now.

Just a different take. I'm sorry this happened to you :(

Original poster
violetpixie · 01/06/2023 22:38

They hopped a locked back gate shared by a few gardens then hopped my fence through my garden and in through my back kitchen window

OP posts:
checktoolate · 01/06/2023 22:40

Do you have contents insurance ? Have you called them to see if they can offer anything ? Can you ask a friend to stay over with you for a while?

I was burgled a last year, I moved afterwards but it was horrible. Thinking of you. Be kind to yourself

OneFrenchEgg · 01/06/2023 22:40

Could you get window alarms? Not terribly expensive and might help you feel more secure. Don't screw the windows shut, you need an escape in fire. I think the police may do a safety check, I know the fire brigade did one and the police took a look when we had an intruder.

Original poster
violetpixie · 01/06/2023 22:43

checktoolate · 01/06/2023 22:40

Do you have contents insurance ? Have you called them to see if they can offer anything ? Can you ask a friend to stay over with you for a while?

I was burgled a last year, I moved afterwards but it was horrible. Thinking of you. Be kind to yourself

No insurance, I was 18 when I first moved in here and I remember getting the quotes and them saying we aren't able to give you contents insurance you can only take out the insurance that covers any damage to the house itself.

OP posts:
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