Help -Someone tried to break in overnight

Just wondering if anyone can give me some pointers as to what steps I could possibly take to deter someone from breaking into our unit?

At roughly 2.45am this morning I heard the front gate open (its right outside my bedroom window and on roller wheels, so quite distinctive and loud sound) - anyway they tried the ranchslider door in my bedroom, then in the lounge and I heard them tampering around a couple windows, luckily I had left a light on in the lounge before going to bed - I think this *may* have been what put them off in the end ...

I then heard the gate shut, and a loud banging sound come from the internal garage, I'm yet to investigate as it's still dark here and I'm not brave enough.

I live on my own with 3yo son so as you can imagine, I haven't been able to get back to sleep and I'm totally crapping myself....still!

I'm planning on ringing the Agent at 9am to demand that the owner puts the damn security locks on the windows like he's been meaning to since the new year (we have aluminium windows) ....although not sure if they will make too much of a difference?

What else can I do? Other than the blatantly obvious like ensuring all windows and doors are closed/locked of a night time. Should I continue to leave a light on?

Man, what you have described is my most awful fear. I would ring the police. Not sure what they would do, but I would alert them to the presence of someone snooping around the neighbourhood, who is up to no good.

How terrible for you!

Oh my goodness you poor thing, this is my absolute worst fear also.

Definitely get your LL to put locks on the windows and ask about a sensor light (we did this at our current property and they put one in for us)

I also agree with calling the police if this ever happened again, which I really hope it doesn't. Huge hugs to you

Oh and if you go out during the day, perhaps leave a radio on. We have always done this (mainly for our cat to keep him company lol) but noise inside should deter anyone. I know this happened at night but just in case!

Omg thats sos cary!!
Id do what stacey said, yell F off etc!! and make A LOT of noise!!!!

Edited by Sheza

Yes I agree I'd ring the cops today (the local station) and let them know.

How scary for you!

Oh you poor thing, you will find it hard to sleep for a while, thats awful! I agree with security lights.

We were broken into during the day and I found it hard to sleep, jumped at every noise for a long time. Do you have someone who can stay with you for a few nights as well?

Haha I've done that in Auckland thanks to preggy brain Back door wide open all day.
Wouldn't recommend it though.

OK will keep that in mind should it happen again (here's hoping it doesn't , don't think my nerves could handle another night like last night).

I thought with cops you basically have to be getting attacked before they even take any notice? Maybe the Papakura area doesn't have enough staff - I remember phoning them a couple years back coz the neighbours (married couple) were having a domestic outside our place, throwing stuff and pushing each other around/hitting etc. Cops never showed.

Will try get a pair of mens work boots, and will ask the owner to have security light installed. Rung the agent first thing this morn to get them to contact owner for our security locks on the windows ...and suprise suprise they haven't got back to me. I'm sick of being dicked around by the owner - 4 months of broken promises and never showing up.

Keep the ideas coming if you have anymore, ta :)

I think that if you communicate to the cops (god forbid) if it happens again that you are a woman home alone with a child, then they will be around in a flash.

Keep onto the agency and the landlord, if all else fails get them installed yourself and send the receipts to the landlord.