Michele 1 #1 October 26, 2006 Over the last few years, I've noticed footprints and fingerprints on the outside of some of my windows that face the street. I've mostly just figured someone was working on the place, or the gardeners had come behind the hedges, and leaned on things. Worst case scenario, I had a peeper, but since those windows are always curtained, it didn't bother me in the least (can't peep if you can't see...and besides, I'm not much to peep at...). Well, about 4 weeks ago, I noticed the screen on a large window (floor to ceiling) in my dining area was dislodged. A friend pointed out that I had planted some honeysuckle and bouganvilla and that those vines had entwined into the screen, and likely had pulled the screen a little, when some wind came up or someone brushed by them. Not a bad bit of logic, and I agreed. I hadn't thought of it, but it makes sense. However. Tonight, as I came in from the garage, I passed my dining room window. The screen is fully dislodged, sitting sideways on the vines. Completely off the whole window...still entangled in the bushes. I can't imagine a person brushing against the bushes would do that; and we haven't had any significant wind, either. So I'm back to thinking that either my peeper is getting a bit more aggressive, or someone's trying to break in. If it's someone who's trying to break in, it will be an easy theft. I really don't want to get ripped off, and I want less to encounter a peeper who's gotten more aggressive. But there isn't too much I can do...I rent, and the place is old with illfitting and old windows. I can't afford to get this place alarmed, and certainly can't afford the monthly cost. I haven't called the cops, because I'm not sure exactly what's going on - it could've been a strange freak wind which did it, although it hasn't been windy... Any ideas? I'm about at the place where I stick a piece of wood on top of the window, to prevent the window from being elevated. However, I'm hesitant to do that because of the potential problems with emergencies... I'd appreciate any ideas or suggestions (sans getting a big dog...that will happen, but not at this place...). Thanks in advance. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindercles 0 #2 October 26, 2006 What the heck are footprints doing on a window? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #3 October 26, 2006 Sorry - I wasn't terribly clear. Footprints found in the soft dirt beneath my window sill to my bedroom windows (three windows, quite a few footprints, apparently similar shoes [I couldn't tell]) and the outside window sills had fingerprints on them (the sills can get really dirty as I face a large street; exhaust and stuff creates a film that holds them). A screen corner lifted on the front bedroom window, but that could've been anything from a nudge inside from one of the cats to someone trying to break in. Better now? Sorry about the confusion...you're right - the original sentence left much to be desired. I'm tired, stressed, and now concerned. A little bit distracted, one might say. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kenz 0 #4 October 26, 2006 first of all call your landlord and let them know what is going on.. your safety should be a priority and see what they can do about installing an alarm system - that way they have it for the next tenants as well... also - call the cops - just to give them a heads up and tell them you dont feel safe.. i really dont know what they can do, but at least it will be on record ya know... if you're REALLY feeling uneasy - don't stay home for a couple of days, and take your valuables with you - do you have renter's insurance? seriously don't cower when it comes to stuff like this - safety first - ESPECIALLY when it's in your home where you should feel the safest!"life does throw curveballs sometimes but it doesn't mean we shouldn't still swing for the homerun" ~ me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #5 October 26, 2006 I will call them tomorrow - both the landlords and the cops. I don't think either one of them will do much of anything, 'cause there isn't much they can do. But you're right - I need to make a record. Yes, I have renter's insurance. And I haven't got anything irreplaceable here other than my kitties. If they got out and got killed, I'd be devastated; the other stuff is just stuff - difficult to move things like the TV, and the computer is old. No cash, jewelry, or other valuables here at all. I can't leave for a few days; I'm in school full time, the cats wouldn't take to being somewhere else well at all, and I don't have the cash. Wish I could go on a mini vacation, but that's not happening any time soon. I don't tend to cower with stuff like this; I'm a feisty ol girl, and will protect myself readily. I just don't relish that thought, and don't want to have to do it. But I will call the landlord and the police tomorrow. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #6 October 26, 2006 Make your landlord install safety bars... then get these.Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #7 October 26, 2006 Maybe put a camera up.. they are small and cheap now. Also, plant some spikey plants too, like Pyrocanther. . (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beverly 1 #8 October 26, 2006 Maybe you can put something very sticky or something that will discolour the perps hands if they touch your window and get some itchy powder or poisen ivy and put it in amongst the plants. They will not be so keen to get itchy. Maybe plant boobie traps so that they get plainted/sprayed etc when they are there and dislodge something. And make sure you get everything on camera! If it is just ba peeper they will know you know. If a burglar, you will know for sure that it was them on camera and discoloured hands etc... I think true friendship is under-rated Twitter: @Dreamskygirlsa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SmilingPhoenix 0 #9 October 26, 2006 Put a lock on that window - NOW! It may cost $10, but isn't your safety worth that? You will hit yourself if you don't and something happens. People can be pigs - it doesn't matter what neighborhood you live in or what kind of house you have. If you don't have the tools to install it, get the landlord to or a friend who will lend a hand. But please don't wait, I don't want to read a post from you in a few weeks saying something about roofies...Because life is an adventure - it may not be the one you planned, but then it wouldn't be an adventure! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piisfish 140 #11 October 26, 2006 put a note on the window saying you only have an old TV, an old computer etc.. and ask them to leave you alone. And warning them that if they fail to do so, you'll have to send them Aggiedave...scissors beat paper, paper beat rock, rock beat wingsuit - KarlM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CSpenceFLY 1 #12 October 26, 2006 A note on the widow saying that you have contacted the police might be a good idea. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #13 October 26, 2006 Quote A note on the widow saying that you have contacted the police might be a good idea. Maybe, then again, maybe not. It all depends on what sort of person(s) is responsible for the occurances. If its someone who is MHMR, then a note like that may not have the desired effect, as it would on someone who is not suffering from a mental illness or disability. Obviously, contacting the police is a good idea. Be careful not to "cry wolf" since that could cause the officers that work your part of town to not believe you when you call in. Yeah, that's bullshit that officers would do that; however, remember cops are people too. When they've been to the same address for SPO circumstances/noises every other night for a few months, they tend not to believe that something is truely happening. However, do not be afraid to call. Remember, your stuff is replaceable, you are not. So if someone does enter your house you can attempt to escape, hide or defend yourself. What you choose to do is your choice. I have some good advice for either or all of those three if you'd like. PM me if you'd like and we can discuss them further. Now, keep a log of each new occurance. If there *are* handprints/smudges/marks on your windows, see if an officer would come by and attempt to lift some latent prints. Since there hasn't been a serious offense, the local PD may not be too willing to come out and do so. Not that you're not important, just that typically police departments are quite understaffed and overworked. This means that Community Oriented Policing projects such as beginning to work on a case in which an offense hasn't occured just sometimes doesn't happen. If we were closer I would be willing to come and try to lift some latent prints for you. A word of advice, though, it doesn't work like CSI. You get the prints and if you get an AFIS quality print you *may* be able to link those prints with a suspect. Sometimes AFIS can make a match via the print alone. However, if someone is pressing their hands to your windows, then its most likely a palm print or the side of a palm print. Those aren't in AFIS, hopefully your local PD has kept records of those when they arrest people and can attempt a match when they have a suspect. As for safety bars, etc. Well, good luck with your landlord. Most of the ones I come in contact with aren't willing to spend the money to install such a device for a resident. Its easier to say no and get a new renter. It won't hurt to ask, however. Now, keep a log of occurances and take pictures. Lots of pictures. Not of just the moved screen or the foot print. Take a picture from the street that shows an overal, then zoom in and one of the address. Now, "walk" the pictures from the street to what you want to specifically show in the photographs. You'll want to take probably 3-4 photos getting closer each time. With things like foot prints, put a ruler next to the print so you can get a size comparison. Keep a record of these, dates taken, times taken, etc. Why all of this work you ask? Well, when you go to the PD and say "hey, I've got a problem, here's the proof of the problem, here's a log of the occurances, etc." It tends to get the ball rolling very quickly. It also helps in building PC for warrants, suspects, etc. Good luck and if you have any questions or comments or anything, PM me or call me. I know a little about the subject.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #14 October 26, 2006 Morning, all. Some good (and some interesting) advice. Dave, I've done some of the same work you have, long ago and far away. I hadn't thought of getting evidence, but I will now. The footprints are long gone, and the sills too dirty to get an effective print. But hey, it's worth a try...I'll tape lift them and see if I can ID anything; if so, I'll keep them. And I will photo the screen being down - I haven't touched it, because I was thinking to call the cops today. A log is a great idea...and one which I will start without delay (including photos). I know my local police pretty well, living in a relatively "small" community. The town I live in has a reputation of being incredibly proactive, and because I know quite a few of the cops (either from high school or from just living here), I am sure I can get someone to take me somewhat seriously. I'm not a caller; I've called exactly three times since I've lived here (well, four times if you include the movie that was shooting the street over and had explosions...didn't know that, called when I heard, and they informed me. Apparently, lots of people didn't know about the movie shoot...). They've always been very responsive, and very good, and because I have a working knowledge, I know what they can - and cannot - do, so my expectations are pretty accurate. Lastly, they know my Dad, and because my name is the same, it's tagged in their database, so the response is even "better". I will pm you later for some info, AggieDave. Thanks for the offer. As for getting a dog, I would in a heartbeat. I love them...but in my place, we are not allowed to have one, and I also don't have room for one (no yard). So that's not available for me at the moment, sadly. I will go looking for one of those "can't raise the window above this level" lock thingies today or tomorrow; and I'll make sure they get installed (I have a few neighbors who're handy, and who'd do it for me no problems) over the weekend. Great idea, and one I hadn't considered. The landlord will be called today, although I don't hold much hope for them...they've been tepid in their response to other problems, so I don't think that something preventative will be on their agenda. Having lived here for over 6 years, I am pretty familiar with their business mindset, and don't expect much from them. As for protective planting, that's why I planted the bouganvilla outside it...bougainvilla is pokey, with some serious thorns. The poison Ivy idea is interesting, but not viable...too many critters around, and since it's not my own place, putting something "poisonous" out there might not be looked on favorably. However, I will consider some sort of plantings under my bedroom windows (different place than the bougainvilla). That might be good. And I'll make sure that I have an "escape route" and keep mag lights next to my bed; they already are, considering I live in eq area, but I'll double check it and make them more handy. Thanks, guys. I appreciate all the tips; I don't want to make a post saying I was ripped off, nor hurt...I'd rather let you all know the steps I've taken to protect myself and/or post that I'm being paranoid... Thanks again, and I'll consider any ideas you all may have. Many heads are better than just one, and my poor brain is so tired from school I've missed some silly things lately. LOL! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kbordson 8 #15 October 26, 2006 Michele, As much as I might trust AggieDave and some of the cops that I know here to come and take a look/report.... I just want to warn you. You might get a "comforting" pat on the head and false placations. About 5 years back, I was home alone except for my cats. It was about 2:30 am. I heard some noises outside the house near the bedroom window. Rustling in the dry leaves, footsteps (yes I could hear them... the insulation sucked and the windows weren't that sealed). I heard them move from one window to the next. Very distinct steps. Stopped at the windows. At this point, my cats were now GONE! (brave souls ) I thought.... 1911 or 911. Since I didn't have my contacts in - I figured 911 would be the better of the two options and getting the gun out as a last resort. (then the internal conflict of where do I shoot him/her, do I try to rescis.? ect) Called 911 - she sent the cops. It took them about 5 min. In that time, I yelled out that I had called the cops and that "you better just leave now." Cops showed up. Did a sweep around the yard. Told me "It's ok, sweety, there's no one here." (Swear to GOD!!) In the morning, I did my own inspection of the yard. On the back window, there was a clear circle on the dirty pane as if someone had rubbed it with his/her hand to look in. I was NOT amused! Don't be surprised if you get "reassured" or talked down to. Just get a record of your concerns. And then get someone you trust to come and take a look at how to make things more secure (the sharp plants are a good idea, bars, lock, cameras, a dog.... lots of options.) Don't just let it keep going. Cuz it sound like if it is a predator, he/she is becoming more bold. Good Luck Karen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #16 October 26, 2006 I'm not too worried about being placated...I know that unless they catch someone doing it, it's only going to be a report with no (or little) follow-up. For me, it's more of a record making step, along with the photos and log. That will create the beginning of a paper trail should something happen. QuoteCuz it sound like if it is a predator, he/she is becoming more bold. Yes, that's my thought. IF, of course, is the operative word...I'm not positive, like you were. I don't hear footsteps, and it's been quite some time since I noticed the footprints. Most of the noises I hear at night I attribute either to neighbors (while I live in a duplex, there are only apartment buildings around me; very dense population) or to critters such as racoons and opossums (both which make regular appearances and nests under my place and in my walls...). And no, cats are not protective - they scatter very quickly when danger appears. Which is, btw, one of the indicators something is amiss...if your kitty is acting strangely, sometimes it means that a bad guy is around. Come to think of it, all my herd likes to sleep under my dining table...and weren't there last night. ANd they were really restless last night, too...again, pretty unusual for them. However, they are all mellow and sleeping under the table right now (well, 4 of the 6, at least...). I'm sorry you had that experience, K...I hope you never have to choose to get the gun out. I am taking this seriously, folks. I am not one to worry like this, but I am taking this seriously. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stiffler 0 #17 October 26, 2006 buy the biggest gun you can afford and start shooting like you're John Wayne after all, why live in america and not take every opportunity you can to shoot people hell... even blast the paper boy if he makes a move towards you, it's your right as a law abiding gun owner Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cocheese 0 #18 October 26, 2006 Open the shades and give em a show. That will scare em away. (Ok bad attempt at comedy at your expense, but hey i tried.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #19 October 26, 2006 In every joke there is a kernel of truth...it would, indeed, scare them away! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cocheese 0 #20 October 26, 2006 You could hire a decoy and then sneek out and catch the little fucker. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SmilingPhoenix 0 #21 October 26, 2006 Quote "It's ok, sweety, there's no one here." (Swear to GOD!!) Sweety! Sweety! That is so demeaning. I can see why you were upset - I think that would piss me off almost as much as the guy at the window. At least you know what you are getting with the guy outside, but to have the "good guys" treat you like crap just sucks. Then again, (nothing personal to any cops out there) all the cops I have known joined the force because of some need to feel more powerful than other people - I figure it's a small penis thing.Because life is an adventure - it may not be the one you planned, but then it wouldn't be an adventure! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dropdeded 0 #22 October 26, 2006 Maybe just one obviously placed shotgun shell inside the window??? That would definately let whoever know that you are aware Seriously Michele, whatever ya gotta do. If it was my home or loved one, I'd want this idiot to know Im aware, and there will be consequences, whatever those may be. dropdeded------------------------------------------ The Dude Abides. - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #23 October 26, 2006 Quoteall the cops I have known joined the force because of some need to feel more powerful than other people - I figure it's a small penis thing. *looks down* HA! Ok, I'll mention it to Morgan so she can laugh at your comment too. Sounds like you have known some shitty cops. The large majority of cops I know joined for a lot of other reasons and they persue that sort of police work with the different jobs available within a department. The ones that joined for a power trip don't last long, if they're even hired at all. They end up boning up VERY quickly and loosing their job if they even make it through the hiring process. I'm not saying that they're not out there, just that its not as previlant as people think and like to say it is.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moodyskydiver 0 #24 October 27, 2006 Quote"It's ok, sweety, there's no one here." Same damn thing happened to me.I was a young,single white female, living alone in the very last apt that was in the very last building next to a wooded area way at the back of the complex. I heard a bunch of noise outside on the landing of my apt late at night (like 4am).There shouldnt have been anyone there b/c the apt next to mine wasnt leased out,so the upstairs landing between the apts was only being used by me and no one except someone coming to my apt should be on those stairs or that landing. I made sure everything was locked up and kept my cellphone next to me until the noise went away..I got NO sleep.I finally got up and opened the door when the sun came up.The lock was scratched to hell and there were hair pins and 2 nails laying on my welcome mat that definitely were not there before.So the noise was definitely not my imagination or a party out of hand down the way or anything like that. I call the cops and they say that since there is no immediate threat it will take awhile to get someone for a report out to my apt.This was 6am..they showed up at 6PM!!! I missed ALL my classes waiting for them,plus being home alone scared the attempted lock-picker would be back.The cop listens to everything I say, shines a flashlight in the lock and looks over the pins and such that I'd picked up and kept from the welcome mat.Then he says and I quote "I wouldnt be too worried about it.Its no big deal." WTF? Its NO big DEAL?! Yeah well,for his info I'm glad I did worry about it b/c there were 2 other break-in attempts on my apt during that 9month lease.one of which resulted in needing a whole new lock b/c some kind of pin was stuck in the lock and my key wouldnt go in.Once they got that out the whole lock cylinder would just spin in the lock b/c the assholes screwed it up so bad. What did I do? I bought a yappy dog and a gun.AggieDave actually took the time to come to my apt and show me some safety and defense stuff too.(Thanks Dave!) Then I told the last cop I saw about what I was told the first time ie "its no big deal" and replied in kind that when someone did finally get in and I ventillated their frickin' ass with a .40 (now I carry a .45) then it would be "no big deal" when they came to pick up the body. I know a gun or dog wont help Michele but I completely agree with Karen about the possibility of getting a crappy response from the PD.I've known plenty of LEOs and COs whom I would have trusted implicitly with my life no questions asked.I think it sucks that they dont get the recognition they deserve. But unfortunately, I've seen some real shitty ones too.Every profession has its bad apples. Be safe and take care. "...just an earthbound misfit, I." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stiffler 0 #25 October 27, 2006 KILL KILL KILL it's your right and your duty to kill first, ask questions later Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites