Help -Someone tried to break in overnight
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Forum Name: General Chat
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Topic: Help -Someone tried to break in overnight
Posted By: BuzzyBee
Subject: Help -Someone tried to break in overnight
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 5:59am
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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? ------------- Single Mum to a darling wee boy of 3 years :) |
Replies:
Posted By: NikkiB
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 6:40am
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How awful!!! Try to get some security lights. Hope it doesn't happen again.
------------- A very lucky mummy to two gorgeous boys: RB 3/10/2008 JB 29/12/2009 |
Posted By: mothermercury
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 7:07am
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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! |
Posted By: MissAngel
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 7:11am
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If it does happen again, get on the phone to the police straight away (111) and they'll send someone round to have a look wether they're scared off or not.
You say you're in a unit? let the other attached unit(s) know as well just in case they've heard something or can help keep an eye out. Has anyone got a dog you can borrow? ------------- Alex, Thomas and Lily http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 7:51am
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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  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: maysie
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 7:52am
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I would call the police as soon as I hear them outside. Do you have a security light with a sensor? Ask your landlord to install one when he does the windows. Maybe get some old workboots from someone and leave them at the front door (visible from the gate?). I would have been freaking out too! But def do call the police if you hear anyone again, they don't mind coming out and having a look around. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 7:55am
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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! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 8:42am
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Be careful about making sure you have ways to get out if you have a fire with all the locks. We have locks on some of our windows but we have had to leave some as at one end of the house in a fire we wouldn't be able to get out without breaking a window which would mean our escape route is covered in shattered glass.
Get some alarm stickers for the windows. And you can get one of those alarm boxes which aren't alarms they just look like one, those are a good deterant. Have you got decent net curtains so no one can see whats in your place? I would have said loudly to "f**k off I've called the cops" if I heard someone trying to break in. That would be enough to make them run away quick smart. |
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 8:46am
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Omg thats sos cary!!
Id do what stacey said, yell F off etc!! and make A LOT of noise!!!! ------------- |
Posted By: HuntersMama
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 9:10am
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That is so scary and also one of my fears! DH starts work at 6am or earlier so we are often home alone in the early hours of the morning.
I second the idea about some mens shoes outside. Can you put a padlock on the gate? We padlock all our gates at night so someone would have to jump over them (6ft+ high) to get in. What about a sensor light? Im sure they would be much less brave trying to get in if they were standing under a light. Id also ring the cops if I was you, not 111 but your local station just to let them know as there could be a pattern. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Bobbie
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 9:32am
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Yes I agree I'd ring the cops today (the local station) and let them know.
How scary for you!  -------------  
 
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Posted By: WRXnKids
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 9:42am
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when we busted people breaking in next door i grabbed my video camera and tried to film them but my mother yelled out to them before i could get in a spot to see them. My dad coming out in his boxers and dp chasing one of them several blocks threating the poor kid with numerous things if he caught him probably put them off coming back however the cops would have prefered if mum hadnt disturbed them and just rung the cops so they could catch them in the act.
Id ring the cops quietly from bed but if i thought they were getting to close to being inside the house id start turning on lights pretending im on the phone carrying something like a tyre iron or hammer (yeah i actually put one under the bed when DP is away) seeing lights coming on would probably scare them off. -------------   
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Posted By: M2K
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 9:52am
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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? ------------- 
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 10:05am
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I'd call you local station today as well and report it, they maybe aware of similar activity happening in other properties. Short of getting a dog - best prowler deterant ever. The suggestions others have made are good. Can you get a padlock etc for the outside gates etc. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">   [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: Bobbie
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 10:15am
Haha I've done that in Auckland thanks to preggy brain  Back door wide open all day.
Wouldn't recommend it though. -------------
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Posted By: .Mel
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 1:24pm
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When I lived on my own I had a night visitor who would quite often try to get into #1's bedroom window... I called the cops every single time! They came every single time too..
That's what they are there for, if you had of called them when you first heard the noise they would have been there asap with a dog and would have been able to track the intruder's scent. I doubt there will be much they can do today??? Please make sure you do that next time! Definitely let the landlord know too. You could get a low wattage lamp to stick in the lounge for a deterrent, and perhaps sound the landlord out about getting a security light put up outside. ------------- Mr Mellow (16) Miss Attitude (8) Destructa Kid (3) 
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Posted By: BuzzyBee
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 2:11pm
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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 :) ------------- Single Mum to a darling wee boy of 3 years :) |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 2:28pm
| Easy way to get them to act on the security stuff is ring them every day without fail. They will soon get sick of it and do something about it. Its easy to ignore a call once in a blue moon but every day gets annoying and they will wanna just shut you up. |
Posted By: MummyFreckle
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 2:37pm
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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. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: .Mel
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 3:05pm
Yep, make it very clear to them that you are alone in the house with a child... that's what I did, and they responded very fast... Definitely keep on to the agency, I'd also put it in writing, so email or write a letter. ------------- Mr Mellow (16) Miss Attitude (8) Destructa Kid (3)
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MummyFreckle wrote:Posted By: ?Lolly?
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 3:24pm
The papakura police are short staffed. (I use to live there) I called them after my ex beat me up and no one turned up right until the last minute he got back! However don't let that deter you, if it does happen again please call 111, tell them you are single woman living with a toddler and I bet they will send some one asap! Scary stuff, hope you sleep better night! Do get a security light installed, that should be easy enough have your land lord install, however as someone pointed out I'd make sure that 'fire exits' aren't locked. We have some window locks on some windows but I had never thought about fire escapes before. Call the police station today too and let them know someone tried to brake in to your house while you were inside sleeping. Papakura's police station number (09) 295 0200 you might have to go in and make a report but I'd say it's worth it if they try coming back. More to prosecute them on if they are caught. The work boots are a good idea, also is talking to the other people who live near you. ((hugs)) ------------- Captain Chaos (5) & the Trouble Monsters (2!) 
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Posted By: Jaxnz1
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 3:46pm
We had some guy run down our driveway and hide out in front of our garage over Xmas. We called 111 and about 5 cops turned up (must've been nothing else happening that night  ), but don't hesitate to call them. The guy I talked to was really nice and told me to call back if anything else happened. I initially felt a bit bad ringing 111, but I was scared the guy was going to try and come in the house or something.
Have to say the best security I've ever had is a dog, he went absolutely ballistic that night. And I'm sure the following night i heard the front gate open and the dog started barking and heard the gate close again. Not sure if was a person, but a cat certainly couldn't make that sort of noise. I feel very safe in our house on my own with him around! But yeh I would recommend security lights and try not to turn on lights inside, because then they can see you, but you can't see out. Try and turn on as many outside lights as possible. And the work boots are a great idea. 
Hope this doesn't happen again for you! I was cr***ping myself just reading your story!!  ------------- 
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Posted By: MrsH23
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 4:26pm
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Scary stuff, definitely don't hesitate to call 111 next time.
I'd suggest the work boots too, preferably dirty ones so it doesn't look like you've just bought boots to put there. I agree with the advise from all the others too, exactly what I would do. If you happen to think of it at the time, you could also say loudly something along the lines of "honey can you check that noise" so they think that someone else is there. ETA: If you need boots for show I'm sure we'll have some around here that you could use, DH works in Papakura. ------------- Lisa mummy to Ryan http://www.alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Posted By: SquishysMum
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 4:49pm
| I agree with calling 111 - they should be round in a flash!!! I called them in Palmy once when I heard glass smashing and crunching, I swear someone had broken the bathroom window so was on the phone ASAP. They were there in a flash with a dog, no windows broken, neighbours all ok, turns out it was the bathroom mirror falling off the wall, knocking over a potplant on the way into the bath (hence the crunching). Better safe and looking like an idiot than sorry... |
Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 5:57pm
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I would get in touch with police anyway. They might of had alot of break ins in the area etc and could always use the info.
Sorry to hear this happen to you, it sounds awful  -------------  
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Posted By: flakesitchyfeet
Date Posted: 13 April 2010 at 7:23pm
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If your not allowed/.don't want a dog, get a recording of a dog, have a CD player in the room, and turn his 'growl' up when you hear someone close.
-------------  http://lilypie.com"> |
Posted By: Hunnybunny
Date Posted: 14 April 2010 at 8:09am
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Never EVER hesitate to ring 111!!! I'm sure in this instance they won't mind at all!!!
I remember when I was about 13, there was a car doing donuts on the school paddock behind mum and dads house, dad told me to ring the cops so i rung 111, LOL! He meant to station but oh well... Meant that while I was still on the phone, a car was sent out and if it wasn't for my 111 call they probably wouldn't have gotten the person!!! Cos it was dark nobody managed to get a accurate description of the car... They are there to help, sometimes they might be a bit slow but just ring next time you hear the first sound that makes you jump... If you've already made a report they'll be aware of the situation so will probably have already done a couple of drive bys of your house to know the set up etc a bit better (says my cop friend lol) |
Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 14 April 2010 at 8:12am
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BuzzyBee just wanted to pop back in and say I hope you're ok and you were able to get some sleep last night!
Being afraid in your own home is an awful thing so I hope some of the suggestions were helpful! Take care! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: HoneybunsMa
Date Posted: 14 April 2010 at 12:09pm
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Everyone has given such good advise to you already but thought I would add if you say that you are home alone with a child and you fear for your life/someone is currently trying to break in on your property then they HAVE to send someone. Especially good if you call 111 as it will be recorded therefore you will have record of the phone call if anything does happen hopefully it doesn't then you have back up or something. If you think the cops won't come then call the local firestation maybe? If they aren't busy then I'm sure they'll more then happily come along and it'll be a break from the mundane night they have. Who wouldn't want 6+ guys turning up to your house?
Do you also have someone else you can call at a drop of a dime? I know when I used to be alone at night when DP was working late myphone was in the bed with me, DD quite often slept in my bed on Sats as he wasn't home until 5am and if I needed to I had quite a few numbers to call most would be up as they were all hospo workers. Same when my flatmate was threatened and followed to his work I got told to put someones number on speed dial and I know they did drive bys past our house that night to make sure we were ok ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: hannibal
Date Posted: 14 April 2010 at 12:16pm
| Like everyone else said call the cops and report it and also pester the landlord for the locks! My parents rental property (at the front of them) just had an arson attack - perhaps if someone had noticed and reported people lurking it might have been prevented (my parents where away). Lucky not much damage to the property but my late brothers car was destroyed. Even if you think its to late to report the incident its not - other may have had it happen to them and reported it, so they might keep an eye out in the area. |