New computer stolen by builder

That's true David. The computer was quite cheap from Amazon, so will think about it for a few days. Thank goodness they're not back until Tuesday.

Scribbles

A bit late now but I'm wondering why the thief found it so easy to take the book of passwords as well as the computer. Surely, OP, you didn't keep them together?
I don't have a book of passwords but, if I ever decide to do so, the list will be written in a scruffy old notebook labelled "Auntie Mary's Pudding Recipes" and shoved in a kitchen drawer, well away from my PC. Or left, untitled, in the shed in a box marked "3.5 x L16mm wood screws". Just anywhere, really, where an opportunist criminal isn't likely to come across it.
Let's not make it easy for the tea-leaves!

Now thief’s will be in the grans drawers looking for Auntie Mary’s pudding recipes 🤣

Thieves 🙄

Are you sure they couldn’t have left a door unlocked? Maybe an opportunist burglar.

I would tell the builder up front what has happened and ask him of he knows anything about it. Builders are generally very honest as their livelyhood is dependent on them being honest.

But fancy leaving a computer and pass code book in the hous ewhen you are not living there, n0 matter how secretly you had hidden it. That is just asking for trouble.

I would then terminate the builders contract saying that, even if he did not steal the computer, it had happened while he was in the house and your confidence in him was undermined. Then get another builder in to finish the job.

The very last thing your builder wants is for you to leave him a bad review letting the whole world know that he employs dishonest people. If you were to say in your review that one of his employees rifled through your personal belongings and stole a laptop and a notebook containing your passwords that would surely put him out of business.

You need to sit down with your builder as you need to let him know what’s happened. It’s the first thing you should have done once you discovered the items were missing.

Why on earth didn’t you take the notebook and the laptop with you. It’s not as if they were large items and could easily have been carried with you in a carrier bag.

Something just doesn’t ring true about this story, especially as builder problems seems to be a recurring theme.

JenniferEccles

Something just doesn’t ring true about this story, especially as builder problems seems to be a recurring theme.

Possibly, but the problem is that word gets around if someone is not as firm or as astute as they should be when dealing with workmen in the home. Some will then take advantage.

When we first moved here we had a problem with a builder who built an extension for us; he decided he wanted to charge more than he had quoted because we wanted a slight alteration which in fact meant it cost him less in time, labour and materials. I had to deal with him as DH was working away and he was quite intimidating.

Luckily we now know people around here and can go by recommendation if we need anything done.

JenniferEccles

Something just doesn’t ring true about this story, especially as builder problems seems to be a recurring theme.

I agree JenniferEccles. It sounds very implausible. Maybe we’re being ultra suspicious, but it’s certainly very odd? 🤨

Sounds like this lady is very trusting, laid back and non-confrontational. She just wants an easy and quiet life.

The sooner the builder gets her house renovations done, the better. If she then wants to pursue them for the stolen computer and password book it's up to her, but that may be stress and hassle that she is prepared to let go.

I hope her future move into sheltered accommodation goes smoothly and she will feel happy, relaxed and secure.

It sounds like the builders are doing work while the house is still occupied, kitchen, bathroom etc, most builders are OK but labourers and subcontractors, tiling, flooring, that sort of thing, will pick up stuff "accidentally".

I know it’s a serious subject but on a lighter note. Many years ago we employed a neighbours then husband to do some decorating. I didn’t appreciate there were problems with the marriage. Mobile phone calls abroad were horrendously expensive. He used our phone to contact his girlfriend in Greece.

Casting aspersions David49 are you saying all subcontracting tradespeople are light fingered?
My husband is a ceramic tiler and isn’t a thief thanks.

Gwyllt

I know it’s a serious subject but on a lighter note. Many years ago we employed a neighbours then husband to do some decorating. I didn’t appreciate there were problems with the marriage. Mobile phone calls abroad were horrendously expensive. He used our phone to contact his girlfriend in Greece.

So sorry. I suppose you didn't find out until it was too late. Living in a house whilst major renovations are taking place is horrendous, but unless the builder is a friend, I think it's best to stay put and keep an eye on things.

I know this is going off on a tangent. But the guest house I stayed in had a couple who s... the bed on Friday night. No embarrassment, they were annoyed that the owner asked for £299 for a new mattress. Where have morals and decency gone?

Jaxjacky

Casting aspersions David49 are you saying all subcontracting tradespeople are light fingered?
My husband is a ceramic tiler and isn’t a thief thanks.

I don't think David49 is saying all subcontractors are dishonest.
I took it to mean that other people, besides the builder and his team, had been in the property.

It has only just occurred to me that we all probably use a computer on a daily basis, and even if barmcake has another one, wouldn’t she need her passwords book? All a bit odd.

JenniferEccles

Something just doesn’t ring true about this story, especially as builder problems seems to be a recurring theme.

It’s all a story, non of it rings true from McCarthy and Stone wanting her to renovate her property before a PX to paying 12K upfront.

Most computers have a tracker “find my computer” facility.
If the builder had broken through a latch etc to get in to the room, he is about as bright as the OP who kept the passwords in a book with the computer.

As long as you've got email and phone registered you can change them quite easily. Some need security questions which I know.

What would this site be with Detective Inspector Sago. It's actually giving me a good laugh now.

To be honest I’m just so surprised you didn’t take your little password book with you in your handbag to the guest house instead of squirrelling it away under your socks!

Sorry but something doesn’t add up here….

I agree. Smells off.

barmcake

What would this site be with Detective Inspector Sago. It's actually giving me a good laugh now.

Is that all it is?
A laugh?

Maybe it’s not anything to do with the builders, maybe door has been left open.
I would hate that feeling of not being able trust my workman (like I said we had footprints up to our cd racks).
Same thing with cleaners, if anything is misplaced the cleaner always seems to get the blame.

I’m not saying anything, I got into trouble with my previous comment 🐀

Jaxjacky

I’m not saying anything, I got into trouble with my previous comment 🐀

What’s with the rat Jj ?