To ask some quick advice? Just noticed neighbours bikes have been stolen!

[JulietBravoJuliet]

My front door leads onto a locked car park for 5 of the cars in the building; 6ft metal gates and a code needed to enter. One of my neighbours keeps his mountain bikes chained up a couple of feet from my door. Just been out to let the dogs have a wee, and the bikes are missing - chains cut straight through. They were definitely there at 9.30pm which is when I last went out, so whoever has taken them has done so since then, and very bloody quietly as my older dog normally growls as soon as anyone sets foot in the car park.

Neighbours are several doors up, so I can't go round as ds is asleep. I have his mobile number - do I ring now and wake him up, or wait til morning? There's no CCTV or anything, so probably very little police will be able to do anyway, but feel like I need to do something, however, I feel very uncomfortable ringing at this time of night as I know he won't be up.

WWYD?

[MrsWinnibago]

We have bikes which are very precious and our only means of transport. If this is the case with neighbours then ring them...if the bikes are for hobby only then do not ring them.

[MrsWinnibago]

In fact, send a text. Now.

[theendoftheendoftheend]

Text him?

[Hakluyt]

Of course ring.

[maras2]

I would ring him now.Those bikes are very expensive so he should be told.What a dilemma for you though.Good luck. Mx.

[JulietBravoJuliet]

They are for hobby only. I'm sending a text now.

Thieves obviously know what they are doing as my old shopper bike has been ignored.

[JulietBravoJuliet]

It has made me feel very on edge, as my front door is extremely isolated and in a little dark corner of the car park where I've always felt extremely safe due to the locked gates on the car park. Everyone else's doors open onto the street apart from mine, and is love that... Except now I feel a bit vulnerable :(

[greeneggsandjam]

I think sending a text was a good idea.

[JulietBravoJuliet]

He's not replied so must be asleep as I thought. I cannot settle, got big dog asleep in front of the front door as I feel so on edge. Got to be up at 7am for work as well :(

[KitbitAgain]

I would ring police on non emergency number. The thieves may still be out and about so more chamce of catching them

[JulietBravoJuliet]

I did wonder about that but can I report a theft of something that isn't mine?

[FidelineAndBombazine]

Yes I have done before Juliet. You can advise police when you ring that you have texted but not rung the owner, they will suggest next steps.

[FidelineAndBombazine]

(They'll appreciate the heads up if there are bike thieves loose in town tonight)

[Sp1rals]

Yes do! If you're worried just say to whoever you're speaking to that you're not sure what to do but you thought it might be best to report it ASAP as they might be spotted. If it was me I would appreciate you making the effort for me.

Also please try not to feel scared, generally thieves don't want to be disturbed or seen, that's just hassle for them. If you have an alarm put it on if you're nervous or think about getting one, or downstairs window locks are a cheaper option that give peace of mind.

[JulietBravoJuliet]

I can't have window locks as it's rented. Moving out soon anyway, thankfully! Right I'll ring 111 now.

[Wonc]

Please try not to be scared. They are out to make money and have clearly targeted your neighbour for the bikes.

[JulietBravoJuliet]

111?? That's bloody NHS Might try the non emergency police instead!

[FidelineAndBombazine]

[FidelineAndBombazine]

generally thieves don't want to be disturbed or seen

and they are pros at it if the dog didn't react - they really don't want hassle.

[JulietBravoJuliet]

Scary thing is, I only realised it was NHS after I'd rung it...

Police have logged the incident and taken my neighbours details off me so they can contact him tomorrow. Bloody thieving bastards

[FidelineAndBombazine]

I should imagine details will be circulated to patrols. You've probably just increased the (admittedly slender) chances of him getting them back. That's something

[JulietBravoJuliet]

I couldn't really give them any details.. He asked if I knew the makes and models but I've no idea; all I know is they are pretty expensive bikes. They've obviously had a look at mine as the cover has been disturbed, but decided a three speed shopper bike complete with basket isn't to their tastes! I feel completely violated that someone has been right outside my front door :(

[FidelineAndBombazine]

Not a nice feeling

[Pipbin]

How are you feeling this morning? Did you get any sleep?

[JulietBravoJuliet]

Got to sleep when it started to get light about 4am and have been up since 7!! Work is going to be fun today, although I've got a majorly dodgy tum at the minute, probably caused by lack of sleep and worry!

Spoken to neighbour this morning who has thanked me for calling the police and is very pissed off with the bike thieves.

In a way, I'm glad I didn't disturb them, because it would have been by letting the dogs out and I'm fairly sure big dog would've tried to eat them!!