I've been broken into

[Millymollymandy]

I'm really sorry to hear that Nomada - have another hug from me

[frozenthunderbolt]

Sorry to hear this.

If you have a few bob do these three things.

1. recess a 5-10mm flat steel frame into the inside of your door-frame and secure it with long 80-100mm screws
2. install a 2nd dead bolt that passes into the steel internal framing of the door-frame
3. replace the standard shop screws in your hinges with the long 80-100mm screws you used on the internal framing.

if you can afford a 4th step go and buy a sheet of 18mm thick plywood and cut it to the same dimension as your door and glue AND screw it onto the inside; this is important as most doors are weak hollow core affairs.

All the best,
Hope they get the shits and you get some of your gear back.
Jed

[oldjerry]

I too am sorry you've had to go through this.It happened to me a couple of times when I shared a place in White city way back,but I've not forgotten.It's worth insuring your contents if you can afford it,but the feeling of violation and anger is some thing I remember vividly.It will pass,you must remember that these people have no respect for anything(least of all themselves) and are nothing more than that which you'd scrape of your shoe if you stood on it.
Most people are decent.
Best Wishes,(and keep on at the old bill)

[Rosendula]

[yvette]

Happened to us twice, so very sorry, and I completely understand the horrible 'not feeling safe' feeling you describe. The second time we also thought it was a neighbour, which adds to the feeling of insecurity. I think its absolutely understandable for you to feel anxious - maybe you could get help from victim support? I also found that increasing my security made me feel better, and would agree with all the advice given so far. The fear will fade and you will feel safe again, but in the meantime don't be afraid to ask for the support you need.
Thinking of you.

[Mrs H]

Sending u loads of hugs and to say how sorry I am to here this. Xxxx

[Nomada]

Thankyou so much for the advice and support guys! I'm feeling a bit better today and so is my bloke. We might know something tomorrow when the likes of cash converters et al open.

[bonniethomas06]

Really sorry to hear that Nomada, little ba$tards.

Hope you can stay positive.

[happyhippy]

Really feel for you.If I were you,if you are suspicious of your "dodgy"neighbour,next time you speak to them,mention the break in,and say you've now had camera's put up(hidden of course! )so if it ever, god forbid happens again,you'll have evidence of who it is.I'd probably also tell them that the cops have been around to see you and they are taking fingerprints(maybe a white lie but if it causes them to loose sleep,good!!!!)I'd check Ebay everyday and see if you can spot your goods,you never know!!!!If you do,report it to the police asap.

[red]

we were burgled many years ago - they took presents from under the tree. electricals etc
we were in at the time.

horrible feeling of being violated.. yes.. so i sympathise

one of the reasons we moved...

[clanpowell]

Oh dear
We were broken into when we lived in Bristol. My overiding emotion was anger. They took my entire CD collection. Some of them had ticket stubs from concerts I'd been to, including a pink floyd one!
What you have to remember is that these people are scum. I know someone will probably say "they were desperate", "you don't understand what it is like to live in a world where this is nessasary to survive" etc etc but they are basically scum. What makes someone think they can do this to someone is beyond me.
Remember that as a contributor to this forum (and I assume therefore you prescribe to the ethos) you are more than likely healthier, happier, generally more content with your life and will therefore live longer, so you'll have the last laugh.

[Nomada]

I know someone will probably say "they were desperate", "you don't understand what it is like to live in a world where this is nessasary to survive" etc etc but they are basically scum.

Anyone who says that to me will probably recieve some choice words back, I've been desperate. I've never broken into anyones home. I don't know, maybe I've never been that desparate, I mean, I've not had enough to make ends meet before, been hungry and had to rely on friends hospitality for a place to live before but I've never had an addiction...and round here that's probably what the stuff they've taken is going to fund. If I ever find out who it is they'd be sorry though, my brother isn't a very, um, nice person...

At the moment I'm actually more upset with the landlord, I've been arguing on the phone today with some woman who was trying to tell me that my front door is secure so I can wait till Thursday for a replacement. One lock busted and useless, the other will come right off with another kick because it's so badly cracked all around, part of the door frame missing (was a crap botch job to begin with, we'd never noticed it before though because of the way they'd painted over it to disguise it, it came right off, as it was only glued on!), door bent, cracked down the middle with bits missing. Oh yeah, so secure that. We were told they'd be out today to replace it all I'm making a complaint too becasue of a lack of other security features, including inadequate front door locks and shody work.

When I go back into work it will put things back into perspective for me and I'll stop feeling sorry for myself!

[citizentwiglet]

I was just about to say - it was stuff for drugs. I see it happen all the time, both here and where I lived in London. Just a few things, just a 'grab' - they haven't got time to rummage around when they're desperate for a fix; but enough to make you feel frightened and violated.

As for you landlord, surely being in unsecured accomodation makes your flat essentially 'uninhabitable'? You don't feel safe living there - tell them you will be withholding rent until it is made secure.

Hugs from me, too. It's an awful thing to go through. Are you insured?

[Keaniebean]

What a horrible thing to have happen, and at the start of the New Year too . I think what citizentwiglet said about holding back the rent might just get your landlord off his backside, it is his responsibility to make sure you are living somewhere habitable.

Good luck with it and from me.xxxx

[oldfella]

Sorry, I just hope they catch the bastard, happened to us many years ago, they kicked in the bottom panel of our door in, but I was at home with my two year old daughter, so caught the little çççççç, and was arrested for using unnecessary force, best £50 I ever spent, So as long as you are safe, you will never forget it, but it will pass.
Eddy