New computer stolen by builder

I would have no hesitation in speaking with the builder and letting him know that it will be reported to the police.
You’re not accusing him personally, but providing him with information that he needs about his workforce.
It may mean a delay in the building work whilst he “rests” anyone in his team.
I’m sure that you will have taken details of his insurers and could report the theft to them (which the builder will want to avoid).

I don’t really understand why you posted if you’re happy to write off (amazingly) the computer?

barmcake

I've been busy all morning changing passwords etc. Thank you for the great advice.

Georgasgran/Bluebell: so sorry, what a horrible experience.

I don't want to complain at this stage as they've had a large chunk of money (£12,000) and might do a bad job on the roof.

I'm going to read through Caleo's guide. Have moved back in and will keep a close eye on things.

The building company owner is doing most of the work and has excellent reviews. He had a very young lad with him who made me feel a bit uneasy. I'm just too trusting and must just look on it as another of life's lessons.

Why have you paid upfront?
You are in a really precarious position.

Caleo/ChatGPT have nailed it. It certainly is not best it you do not say anything!

You need to protect yourself and all those who might come after and fall victim to this crook.

I'd make a casual comment that I had hidden cameras in every room and watch their response

I do have online banking Cabbie21 and have just changed all passwords.

I know a builder who got back at someone by leaving the water running all day.

JdotJ

I'd make a casual comment that I had hidden cameras in every room and watch their response

I will make some comments when they return and see what the response is.

Jaxjacky

I don’t really understand why you posted if you’re happy to write off (amazingly) the computer?

I've actually been really upset all day and find your comment unhelpful.

Are you 100% sure you didnt move it yourself from the hiding place..or another member of the family did.
We had something similar happen and the item was discovered later elsewhere in the house. We had both "misremembered" where it was. Luckily we hadn't taken it further. How embarrassing that would have been.
But if you are sure then I would have thought a call to 101 for advice would be my first step.

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!

I put it under the bed, put a latch on the door and tied it with binding because my personal items were in that room. The door was wide open when I got home and I knew someone had been rummaging around.

I understand what you mean, it does happen. It was in a big Amazon box and has certainly gone.

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!

I hid my password book inside a big pair of knickers with lots of socks piled on top. The Amazon box was under the bed hidden by piles of sheets and towels.

My accounts are Just written (H) for Halifax etc. so it wouldn't be easy to access them. They also need phone verification. I won't trust anyone in future.

Barmcake This is cut and pasted from a thread you started in October.

I have just been ripped off by a cowboy builder for the second time, but this time they damaged my neighbour's property. For the sake of my ruined mental health I've written off the money and compensated my neighbour.

My Victorian terrace needs complete renovation.

Should I sell the house and go to an assisted living flat; or,
do a complete renovation.

Would love to hear from those who have or have had a similar experience and how they resolved it. I feel like just packing a bag and running away at the moment.

It seems you were ripped off twice previously and you wrote off the money and had to compensate your neighbour.
Now you have paid a builder up front 12K had goods stolen and you are prepared to write that off too.

I’m sorry to be so blunt but you seem to have too much money and too little common sense.

Whoever it was has spent time having a serious rummage through your stuff. I can't believe you didn't complain to the foreman that your secured door had been forced.

Sago posted as I was writing. It occurs to me that someone might be thoroughly enjoying winding us all up.

Aveline

Sago posted as I was writing. It occurs to me that someone might be thoroughly enjoying winding us all up.

Yes, it’s story time.

Sago

Barmcake This is cut and pasted from a thread you started in October.

I have just been ripped off by a cowboy builder for the second time, but this time they damaged my neighbour's property. For the sake of my ruined mental health I've written off the money and compensated my neighbour.

My Victorian terrace needs complete renovation.

Should I sell the house and go to an assisted living flat; or,
do a complete renovation.

Would love to hear from those who have or have had a similar experience and how they resolved it. I feel like just packing a bag and running away at the moment.

It seems you were ripped off twice previously and you wrote off the money and had to compensate your neighbour.
Now you have paid a builder up front 12K had goods stolen and you are prepared to write that off too.

I’m sorry to be so blunt but you seem to have too much money and too little common sense.

And in 2024:
I have been conned by builders so many times that I became afraid to have anyone in the house and now my house needs everything fixing.
You really have been unlucky, barmcake.

Best to cut your losses and move to the smaller flat you were thinking of a couple of years ago.

However, you do need to report this to the police and also to the building firm, even if just to prevent it happening to anyone else.

Unfortunately I have been that unlucky Allira. I was offered part-exchange by McCarthy Stone on condition that this house was brought up to a reasonable standard. Decided to get it renovated, sell and never have to worry about builders or maintenance ever again. They are doing a good job but I'm just at the end of my tether with it all.

I'd be wary of McCarthy and Stone too!
I've heard tales of ever-increasing service charges.

Putting conditions like that on you seems unreasonable too. Are you sure that is correct?
Are there any other alternatives local to you?

You need to get 3 independent valuations apart from McC & S.

It would have been a very low offer if I'd sold it as a renovation project but hope to get an acceptable offer once the renovations have finished.

I know McCarthy Stone has a bad reputation for service charges but I'm prepared to pay for peace of mind. Second hand flats are much cheaper but they seem very keen to sell the new ones. Thanks for the advice and I will take my time and get 3 valuations.

I’m afraid you have your information all wrong!
McCarth and Stone as I thought never ask you to renovate, redecorate arc, they offer a PX on the current state of your home.

Here’s a link; www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/articles-and-news/financial-advice/the-financial-benefits-of-part-exchange/

I’ve had builders for more than 3 months , in my previous house. …. not one pin stolen.
I do feel bad for you

Is this a wind up thread? Builders would not frighten me.

Yes!

I would tell the builder it had been stole by one of his workers, either he replaces or returns it or I will call the police, if dont get it back I would just deduct it from the final bill.
Let him sue for the cost if he wants.

My bet is he will not want the police involved and cough up.