Scared after attempted burglary

sinny65

I am female in my thirties and have recently moved back home to parents house in the country . On Tuesday night around 3 am I was woken by the sound of side gate opening, I then heard footsteps & noise outside bedroom window. Upon inspection the next morning there was marks on my window where somebody had tried to jack it open with screwdriver. The guards came and took fingerprints and have given general security advise. The problem is I haven't been able to sleep since and every noise I hear outside is making me jump . My parents think I'm totally overreacting and "need to grow up" I'm too old to be scared. Is it normal to be frightened after this or am I overreacting ?

pookie82

Of course it's normal to be scared and on edge for a while. Having your home invaded (or attempted) is the most awful violation ... the one area you're supposed to feel safe and un-intruded upon. It's worse again that you were IN the house while they tried to get in.

I've experienced house burglary before and it's horrible. Luckily no one was home at the time of mine, but the feeling of coming in to see your room gone through and your stuff all over the place is the most horrible feeling and it really brings it home to you that anyone, at any time, can decide they have a right to come into YOUR dwelling and help themselves. It leaves you feeling ill.

That said, I had to chalk it down to a bad experience and just move on (our burglar was never caught to my knowledge, so it's not like I had closure in that sense). I told myself I wasn't going to allow it to ruin my sense of comfort at home and it's something that happens to many people, unfortunately. By all means up your security measures, but after that, there's not an awful lot you can do, other than to be vigilant.

If you find it consuming your thoughts and interfering with your ability to sleep for much longer, maybe you should talk to your GP and see what he/she would recommend for this kind of anxiety.

But it's perfectly natural to feel this way for a few weeks until the shock/fear wears off. It WILL wear off, just give it time.

zeffabelli

There really is no normal for this....

I was burgled 20 years ago and I still have some noise issues....that is not normal ...what it means is the trauma was never fully processed.

You're still in the normal phase of processing it..

Buona Fortuna

Hi Sinny

I do sympathise, its a horrible experience.

Is there anything practical you or your parents can do to improve security?

Doing something just might make you feel/sleep a little easier.

As an example. Lidl did have solar powered flood lights that came on with detector. Quite cheap and quite easy to fit.

All the best.

fits

I had 6 burglaries/attempted burglaries in three years once upon a time. I think this threat from someone you don't see on your personal space while you are at home can be quite scary. I agree with Buona above, that taking practical steps to improve the security at your home will make you feel better. take care.

CaraMay

Do you have a house alarm? If so do you use it?

Rubberchikken

Hi op
That must have been a frightening experience.
Outside lights that come on with movement are a great deterrent. If your house is alarmed make sure its on every night. If not would you consider buying one with your parents.
Its all well and good for others to say you're too old to be frightened by this but it is upsetting and its no harm to be aware as he (burglar) may have the cherk to return.
There is a victim support helpline and they might be able to reassure you if you still feel unsettled.