Burgled Last Night

skintygerlinky

Hi all,

Not sure if this is right place to post. Basically got up this morning to find we had been burgled whilst we slept - I live with my parents who are both nearly 70.

We didn't hear anything so am glad we didn't have a confrontation as that could have been awful. We've called insurance etc, police and crime scene investigator were both helpful. Family friends and neighbours have been brilliant. Waiting for a locksmith now to secure the house.

Feel awful - sick, scared, angry, upset....all of it.

Anyone else experienced this?

geri1965_2

Yes, I have - it's awful. I've been burgled twice and the first time, like you, I was in the house when they did it. The thought of people being there rifling through your things when you are upstairs in bed is just horrific.

I found the police to be very helpful and they fitted some additional security measures for me. Insurance company were very quick to pay out too.

I hope your parents are OK.

Alias_Omega

How did they get in etc?

Lily-Rose_3

Never experienced a burglary (THANK GOD!) But I know a few people who have, and having it happen when you're IN THE HOUSE must be horrifying! I had an old neighbour (many years ago) who was robbed whilst sleeping, and she moved house as she felt so violated and afraid.

My aunt was robbed whilst out at a party 5 years ago, and all the grandkids Christmas pressies taken. She was devastated. She had saved all year for her 7 grandchildren's presents. She was never the same again. She was a 66 year old sprightly bird, and it turned her into a shadow of her former self,.

I am so sorry for your experience. The only good thing about you -compared to my neighbour and aunt, is that you are not alone. Good luck and I hope the b-stards get caught!

skintygerlinky

Tried to force the front door then forced a window. Window quite small so they must be quite small/young.

Feel so tired and down.

skintygerlinky

Thanks for the replies folks!! It helps to feel that we're not alone, that's for sure.

Police reckon they were done within 5mins which makes sense. They're coming back tomorrow.

meritaten

awww that's awful. it happened to my old mum and luckily she is deaf as a post so didn't hear a thing. I shudder to think what might have happened if she had heard something, because I know she would have got up to see what was going on rather than just ringing the police from her phone upstairs.
I assume the lack of noise meant your home didn't get trashed? that's one blessing. But, its awful to think of strangers violating your home isn't it? Please ask for the crime prevention officer to come round and assess your home. it may help you feel better if you can put some security measures in place.

koan_2

It might even be worth putting a burglar alarm on for the downstairs part of the house before they go up to bed? A friend of mine does this.

TBagpuss

It's horrible. We were burgled when I was living in a shared house, when I was a student. The first time it happened, we were all in,asleep in bed, and it became clear they went into 2 of the bedrooms (luckily not mine) it was terrifying.

One thing to check is whether you are missing any keys. Our burglars stole our spare back door key, and they came back a couple of weeks later. Fortunately, we'd realised the key was gone, and had fitted bolts on the back door, but at the time the police told us it is quite common for burglars to return to the same properties, assuming that you'll have claimed on your insurance and replaced the stolen property.
I second the recommendation to get the Crime Prevention Officer to assess the property.

Sympathy to you all, it's a horrible thing to have happen. I hope they didn't take anything irreplacable.

Better_Days

My Dad's flat was burgled after he passed away. They even stole washing up liquid, kitchen roll, toilet roll and towels. It was horrible going into the flat to clean up afterwards. I was so glad it didn't happen when Dad was alive, I do feel for you OP - for me it helped having a really good clean of the place to 'reclaim' the space.

Victim support rang me (I think the Police gave them my number) and the lady was very supportive, so they may be able to help you too OP.

nanto3girls

My son was burgled last July.They took his laptop,expensive watch and his car keys,so took the car as well.They got in through the back door,even though the burgler alarm was on.It was the alarm going off that woke him and his partner.