Lady Magnon and oldest son Kimbo flew out to Toulouse on Saturday morning; they were at the house by early afternoon.
I had previously phoned the people who made all my doors on Thursday morning, and they were at the house that same afternoon to change all the locks, and to try to make the house as secure as possible. Our good friend Craig was there to hand over the new keys when Lady M and Kimbo arrived.
The house was a total mess! Things everywhere, and there were glaringly open spaces where TV's, and HiFi equipment had been. There was no power, so Lady M was obliged to make her next morning's toast in front of the fire.
They haven't really had time to assess exactly what has been taken, but all my antique pewter has gone as well as some personal things. The scumbag had let off a Fire Extinguisher inside the house which left everything covered with a white powder.
Our next door neighbour's gite had also been broken into, but nothing taken. He had tried to unscrew a TV from the wall, but abandoned the idea. Luckily she had noticed a car parked by Haddock's, and recognised whose car it was. She informed the Gendarmes who soon appeared on the scene. They weren't too happy that Mrs Mop had been cleaning everywhere, but they did manage to get some good photos of footprints. Kimbo needed to visit the Gendarmes yesterday before leaving for home, to make a statement. Hercule Poirot is on the job!
They will visit the man whose car was seen, and hopefully apply some thumbscrews. The outcome remains to be seen.
Kimbo also managed to get the EDF (Electricité de France) to re-connect the power, and other than all that has been stolen we are now back to as near as normal as possible; but considerably out of pocket!
We believe that the burglar had stayed in the house; but for how many days we don't know.
It's been a horrible experience, and my proposed visit later in the year has been tainted. The house will NEVER seem totally secure ever again, even though we now have good surveillance, and security systems in place. Anyone trying to break in in the future will have a nasty surprise.
Many friends of ours who have been burgled have felt so uncomfortable in the house afterwards that they've felt that they have no option but to move. All have said the same, that it will never feel the same again.
ReplyDeleteOne feels violated. Lady M only arrived home at midnight last night, so I have yet to hear all her news. I'm expecting horror stories.
DeleteThis is just so sad after all the love and care you gave to your home for so many years.
ReplyDeleteHope you don't feel you have to sell up
We've been in two minds about it for a while.
DeleteI know the feeling. It's a home invasion and it takes a long time to feel comfortable in the house again. I hope Hercule can find the perpetrator.
ReplyDeleteHe's on the job, twiddling his mustache as I write.
DeleteThe burglar doesn't seem to be the brightest tool in the toolbox if he left his car parked outside during his nefarious activities.
ReplyDeleteI imagine most burglars have IQ's of less than 50; he was certainly amongst them.
DeleteThis is the product of the ridiculous rules regarding homes that have to be left regularly unattended for long periods.
ReplyDeleteAnd we have to pay for the pleasure!
DeleteYou talked about the possibility of selling up before this happened. Perhaps this will be your last summer. The end of an era.
ReplyDeleteWe're thinking about it, but there are those who want to keep it at all costs.
DeleteHow horrid for you all. Such a well loved home and retreat now damaged by one fool.
ReplyDeleteI know what I'd like to do to him!!!
DeleteSo sorry Cro - burglary is awful because it leaves behind a feeling that one's privacy has been invaded. How ever much insurance covers that feeling of invasion takes some shaking off.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first personal experience of being burgled. Horrible.
DeleteI'm so sorry this happened to you. I hope they catch the cretin(s) who did this and throw the book at them!
ReplyDeleteEnquiries are already in place.
DeleteSuch an awful thing to have happened and to deal with. I really hope that you, Lady M and the family can manage to try and forget it and enjoy your beautiful French home once again. Maybe, as time passes, the pain of it will fade a bit. XXXX
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping so. We're even finding things to laugh about concerning the hoodlum himself.
DeleteHugs to all..the best is ,no lives were lost. You have each other to console and put things to right. Hold on to one and other , thanking goodness for each other. Hugs from here.
ReplyDeleteI do thank goodness that I have a wonderful son who always comes to our rescue. I really don't know what we'd do without him.
DeleteOur homes are our much loved sanctuaries and an invasion like you experienced is horrific. Hopefully the criminal is caught and with a security system in place you can enjoy your retreat again. A few friends have experienced what you are dealing with and with security installed and a bit of time they are comfortable in their homes again.
ReplyDeleteMy parents were burgled when I was small, but all this was new to me. I'm not over the shock yet.
DeleteOnce the shock has worn off, Cro, you'll be fine. At least the house didn't burn down, and no one was after you with a knife. Don't ask. Any moment now, the future Counsellor - not so gentle - (someone who should be of considerable equilibrium in his dealings with people) will pipe up and tell me to shut up. It's only a question of time.
ReplyDeleteAll the best, and let no one spoil your enjoyment of life. As the saying goes: Shit happens. It's how we deal with it that counts.
U
It certainly could have been worse. In fact it's almost surprising that he didn't set fire to it.
DeleteOh no, Youre not turning this one around Ursula I told you to fuck off because your former comment to cro was tinged with another comment , it wasn’t just a sympathetic note….
DeleteAccording to one of the daily rags, half of English police forces caught no burglars recently. Let's hope that the French are more successful in your case.
ReplyDeleteI don't think they're interested here. They give you a crime number (for insurance), and that's it. I hope in France they'll be more thorough.
DeleteOn the upside, fire roasted toast is delicious. I am still very sad about the things lost, the antique pewter and hifi equipment. I wonder if the burglar thought covering everything with fore extinguisher foam would make it harder for the Police to get his fingerprints.
ReplyDeleteI think he was probably just having fun, which makes me think what a dim-wit he must be.
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