Help – I’ve been burgled.

mark1234567890

My house (rented) was burgled this week and I feel awful. I am not bothered about what they took as it was only electrical equipment worth a couple of hundred £’s.

It is more the psychological effects that are really hurting me inside. I have been sat stewing on it all day and I am seriously considering leaving the city, my job and the house to return home to live with my mum.

I have become paranoid about security and am scared about going back to the property tonight as I live there alone. This is the first time that something like this has ever happened to me.

The circumstances were very dodgy and the police believe that the robbers had access to a key as there was no forced entry. This isn’t surprising as there have been numerous other people living there with me at different times and the landlord has never changed the locks.

Overall I was pleased with the police and the landlord’s response though. The police were really efficient and friendly and the same goes for the landlord. New locks have now been fitted.

Can anyone offer any advice or comforting words of wisdom? I can’t really afford to find elsewhere to live.

Many Thanks

Mark in Sheffield

mark1234567890

I don't know if this is the right forum for this.

Please could somebody move this if it is not.

Ta

whatatwit

Mark, being burgled is awful and it does shake your confidence.

Is there anyone that you can get to stay over with you?

The positive side is that if a key was used, then you were not targetted as such, you just happened to be living in the place the scumbags had a key for.

Maybe sleep with a blunt object in handy reach, it might make you feel a bit safer and keep your mobile switched on and close by.
Have you got a chain on the door?

Whilst these are all small things, they may make you feel safer in your own home.

andyrules

Yes, I remember well how I was convinced they would return and couldn't sleep - but that feeling does fade.

Now you have new locks, you are much less likely to be burgled by someone looking for easy entry.

Additionally, that particular thief knows that there is nothing left to steal.

Do you have a mate who can stay over for a few nights?

Just an idea - you could ask the Crime Prevention chaps to visit and go over security, if nothing else it should put your mind at rest? If there are any gaping issues, then the landlord can fix - after all it isn't in his best interest if you are burgled.

mrcow

Suddenly finding yourself a victim of crime is a very traumatic experience.

You go through so many different emotions......in particular those of anger with yourself. Burgulary is a terrible crime. It's completely invasive and no one would blame you for wanting to up sticks.

One thing to keep in the forefront of your mind though is that the vast nujmber of crimes like this are opportunistic. A burgular will see an open door or window or unlocked gate, or may come across keys to an old property and they'll just take advantage.

The chances of you being "hit" again are valid.....but less likely if you have upped your security.

Simple measures to protect your home can help. Criminals will often go for the "lowest hanging fruit" and by making your property more difficult a target than the others around you, you will protect yourself.

Have you considered CCTV? I think in your case it make be a good investment. I run a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in my area. Are you part of one? Or is there one you can join?

I give some standard advice out to watch members - I'll post it here in a mo.

Also there is a Home Office pack you can order called "Secure Your Home" call 0800 456 1213 to order it.

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/how-you-can-prevent-crime/secure-your-home/

Also visit www.victimsupport.org.uk

geri1965_2

I've been burgled and also mugged a few times, and it does leave you feeling very vulnerable.

All I can say is that it does fade, and don't do anything hasty like giving up your job and moving.

Victims Support are very good, if you feel like you need to talk to someone, get in touch with them.

MadMac_2

Didn't want to read and run - sending you a comforting hug and do take the advice being suggested already - just having another person in your home for a night or two will help to settle that invaded feeling and over time you should start to feel more comfortable and like it is home again, x

WEEGIE

I've been burgled a few times when I stayed in Glasgow, and yes it does take a wee while to get over it. People will say are you insured, that is alright to a certain extent but the insurance will not compensate for items of sentimental value. Sorry to hear of your mishap, and I hope everything gets better for you.

mspig

A couple 4 doors down from us was burgled 6mths ago(they went away for the weekend and came back to the house having been rummaged through and loadds taken), they couldn't stay in the house and moved out and sold up as they were too scared to sleep there and upset by the personal invading of their home.
I had a few things similar a good few years back but then i was being targeted by the same person, i had my front dor put in by a concrete garden post, windows dragged open, extension leads that were pugged in pulled through the window and left out in the rain, my house completely emptied(even the shower door and curtain rails) - i was living on my own with my son so i took the message and left. It does take time to relax in your own home but it does get better and easier, and will become a distant memory though its a life experiance that you'll never forget.

emmzy

Hiya i dont really have much useful advice to offer but I know exactly what you are going through, a few years ago my ex copied my keys when we split up and broke in one day when i was out at work, he didnt steal much valuable stuff apart from my computer and a dvd player but he did take the ring my nan gave me when she died. It was the other psychological problems that came from it that really distressed me. At the time i was 18 and lived alone(im a girl btw) and i was terrified of sleeping myself, i slept with a kitchen knife under my pillow for months incase he came back. There wasnt enough evidance for the police to charge him as no one actually seen him and his fingerprints were all over the house anyway. Eventually i did have to move as i didnt feel safe anymore and i know you said that it isnt really an option for you but i only moved 10 minutes down the road (the rents pretty much he same) even though it isnt far i still feel alot safer in a different house. Im sorry this happened to you as it feels awful but it does get better i promise! Just hope the police get luckier with you than they did with me and they catch the b*st*rds *hugs for you*
(BTW after this happened to me i found out from a friend of a friend that my ex had done it to most of his previous girlfriends too!)

Errata

Mark, you should be getting a letter from Victim Support asking if they can give you any help.
If you want to talk to them before that, here's the website for VS in Sheffield
http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/vs_england_wales/contacts/south_yorkshire/effects/index.php