So angry!!

BitterAndTwisted

Turtle2010 wrote: »

Thanks guys I did mention to DH about changing the locks, it'll be an awful expense but then at least we'll have peace of mind.

No, it won't be an awful expense. It's not necessary to get a locksmith round or to change the whole lock. You change the BARREL of the lock. Some of the more usual ones cost around a fiver at hardware shops. The barrel of a Yale is a piece of cake. Five minutes with a screwdriver and that's it.

Old_Joe

To those that are making unhelpful or derogatory remarks to TURTLE2010

I ask is there no charity in your hearts posting as you have.
Surely you must know she is beside herself with worry as it is.
PLEASE, please if like me, you cannot post anything helpful don't post anything.

rochja

She has stolen your key. Write recorded delivery that you want it back within 5 working days or you report it stolen. If you dont get it back you get a crime number. Change the locks anyway and once you have a crime number claim the cost back from her. And yes it is just the barrels. A locksmith can do it and guarantee the work or it is also a simple DIY job.
Once you have a crime number if she fails to pay up and you have amassed a chain of evidence you should be able to claim the cost back on your home insurance, although the bill is unlikely to be substantial enough to warrant this

Ladyhawk

I had a similar whack job for a short time as a cleaner and posted about it on here at the time. I sent her a letter recorded mail saying that if she did not return the money that she had immorally taken for work not done and if did not return my key I would be seeking redress in the small claims court. I got everything back, albeit in 1 and 2p coins and never heard a peep from her again

cannyscot_2

You have my sympathies! Cleaners are really hard work even the nice/good ones.

Turtle2010

Thans all for the above

I've woken up again this morning to a barrage of messages saying she's off to the Police (good luck with that love) and that she hasn't bad mouthed any of her ex clients...but then goes on to say how one ex client brought up her murdered son (what?) so she had every right to name and shame. So you did bad mouth your clients then. Hmmm.

I spoke to a joiner last night who said it was easy enough to change the barrell, he's coming round on Friday

I am so tempted to go to IR but she has little kids, I couldn't see them suffering because of their mothers stupidity, it's not their fault. Just want this over with....and hey in a couple of days it will be. I hope!

LannieDuck

Glad you're getting your locks changed.

Don't be put off cleaners by one bad apple. We've had 4 good cleaners over the last two years (through an agency), and only one that we had to ask not to come back. We're very happy with our current one.

I agree with others saying you were too soft on her to start with. It's a business transaction - either she does the work you want to your standard, or you find someone else. I might have given one warning, but certainly no more than that.

And defriend her on Facebook.

rochja

The cleaner claims to have a murdered son. She is behaving erratically and she is the sole carer for 2 children. You really should report this harassment to the police. Her children might live to thank you one day.

Turtle2010

Hi All

Still no key back and still no visit from the Police (funny, that.) On Saturday got more messages (i've blocked her now, so bored of it) saying the Police were on their way with my key, my husband won't be able to help me now, i'm going to get charged, i'm a nasty piece of work etc etc.

I told her (on DH's advice) to leave me alone, I did not want any further contact with her and blocked her contacting me and DH again. I wanted to report her harrassment, but DH told me not to, not worth the hassle.

Joiner coming to fit new barrel tomorrow night, meanwhile we're using the side door to get in / out of the house and leaving the key locked on the inside of the front door.

What a palaver! Lessons learned!! xx

BitterAndTwisted

Lesson learned indeed. I'd have sacked her after she didn't turn up on the first week. She's been mucking you about and harassing you because you showed what was interpreted by her as weakness from the very beginning.