S/O break-ins... we had a scary Sunday morning!

adamsbabble · December 2010

I went to sleep early on Saturday night and can't sleep for long periods of time anymore being hugely pregnant, so at 3 a.m. on Sunday morning I was awake, watching stuff on my DVR and folding laundry in my living room. Just as I was finishing up and starting to get sleepy again, I heard a noise at my window (the blinds were up just a little) and looked over to see a man right outside of it!! He bent down to the window to look in and when he saw me he took off, which I am very very thankful for considering all the stories you hear of break-ins gone wrong, but that still does nothing for my peace of mind. I still feel so violated, so helpless and I'm exhausted since I've barely slept since then (my family had a break in when I was younger, and I think it has always stuck with me). Although I would like to think they were just up to no good and at the very very worst were just going to break in, you never really know what someone's intentions are, if they are dangerous, etc. I just keep thinking of all the scenarios, and it scares me to think that they were possibly planning on coming back during the day when people usually aren't home- except in our case, we ARE home during the day and Adam isn't. It's awful to not be able to feel safe in your home.

To make matters worse, our local police completely failed us. Immediately after this happened, I woke Adam up and he called the police. About 10 minutes later we were looking out our window and were surprised to see that they actually had two young men they were questioning and one of them fit the description of the man looking in our window. Then after a few minutes, the two young men walk off and the police drive away (into our neighborhood to cruise around) and then come up to door awhile later. He says to Adam "Yeah, I spoke with them and they're just out here waiting for their buddy to get home." WHAT? How does that make it okay? Adam said something like "And why were they looking in our window?" and the officer said "Oh, they were looking in your window?" Apparently the officer was under the impression that they were looking in car windows (not that that is okay) not OUR window. Adam explained that there were behind our bushes, right up against the window and it was the noise of them messing with it that got my attention. He said "There are even footprints in the snow right outside the window if you want to look." The officer just said "Oh okay" and then got in his car and left. That was it. Thanks for nothing!

I am not sure what I wanted them to do since an actual crime wasn't committed, but he had them right there (and even the way he stated "I talked to them" makes me feel like there was a confession that they were right there on our property, but made up some story to make it sound like they were just waiting on someone) and let them go. I can't think of any good reason why someone waiting on their buddy would need to be creeping behind my bushes, kneeling down and looking in my front window. That's not okay and anyone doing that is up to no good!! Of course I'm happy that this is as far as it went, but I'm still upset about it and I am just hoping they don't do anything to retaliate now that they know we've seen them and called the police, or that they don't try to come back during the day. Hopefully they just want my TV and aren't dangerous. UGGGGH!!!

AngRx · December 2010

This time of the year is the worst!! Ugg Kessler i am so sorry. our house was broken into 2 yrs ago and it still creeps me out to think about it. Stay safe!!! (and get some sleep!)

Traycee1242 · December 2010

I'm so sorry. How horrible and scary for you and your family. Thank goodness you were up, and nothing bad happened.

I can totally understand how things stick with you, no matter how long ago they happen. 18 years ago, my bff was the victim of a horrific crime. I was with her that night and by some crazy twist of fate... I was spared. It will always stay with me, and I have been scarred and terrified ever since.

The thing that helps me breathe is a security system. I swear by them. I have it on all the time... during the day when I'm at the grocery... during the day when I am home... it gives me peace of mind. Besides arming the house, I also have a key fob that can signal police/fire/emergency so I can get help immediately at the press of a button. The cost is so reasonable, and you get a nice discount on your homeowners insurance.

Just something to think about...

Either way, I'm glad everything is ok and I hope you are able to sleep better soon.

Superchicy · December 2010

Ugh, I totally know how you feel. I think I posted about the old guy who does bodybuilding poses in our bedroom window in the middle of the day. He walks all the way up our yard and stands in front of our window and poses and checks himself out. The cold weather seems to have curbed him for the moment, but the police said if they don't catch them redhanded they can't do anything. I'm glad everything was ok, but I know how scary that is!

ETA: If you see/hear anything unusual again, make sure to call the police. We did not know what our "visitor" was doing at first, a neighbor just saw him looking in our windows on several occasions. It is frustrating b/c the police are basically unable to do anything unless there is either concrete proof or they catch him in the act.

klee411 · December 2010

Wow - that is really, REALLY scary and unsettling. I am so very sorry you had to go through this! Hopefully it was just some lame high school kids and not anyone armed and dangerous. But still - that would freak me out! Best of luck with everything and just focus on having a good holiday with your DH and girls.

MrsMandaK · December 2010

Yikes! That is scary, Kessler. I'd be very creeped out as well. Can you have a security system installed? That might at least give you some peace of mind.

identicaltwins2be · December 2010

How scary! I hope it was just a once time thing. Are you friends with your neighbors? If so, I would let them know what happened. That way they can keep an eye on their own houses...and yours!

mcmann05 · December 2010

Apparently this same thing happened to my mom last night!!!! How scary! Must be the season. Luckily, she just got her ADT turned on last week.

Jscaggs · December 2010

Like PP said, I would suggest looking into a security system. You can have it on during the day when you are at home so that if someone breaks a window or opens a door it goes off. If nothing else, it gives you peace of mind. I agree that the cops handled the situation incorrectly. They should have spoken with you guys first or at least before speaking to the teenagers. I'd just let your neighbors know what is going on, so that everyone can be on the lookout for everyone.