Neighbors who ‘helped me’ also helped themselves to thousands of dollars worth of my stuff

Abigail Van Buren

DEAR ABBY: I moved to a rural area a couple of years ago and was surprised at how friendly my neighbors were. They seemed eager to help at first. I got sick and had to spend a few days in the hospital. I asked the couple to please feed and water my pets until I could come home. They did, but they also made a copy of my house keys, entered my home after I returned to work and stole several thousand dollars’ worth of stuff from me.

I am hurt and very angry over this. The police said I have to show receipts to prove ownership of the things that were taken. But most of it I have owned for years, and I no longer have the receipts.

I’m going to confront this couple, but how do I get over what they did? I can’t believe how trashy and low-class they are. They both have jobs. I live alone on one salary. A lot of the things they stole I had to save up to pay for. They are nothing more than liars and thieves. What do you suggest?

— VICTIMIZED IN OKLAHOMA

https://www.nj.com/advice/2025/01/best-of-dear-abby-couple-helps-hospitalized-neighbor-then-helps-themselves-to-her-belongings.html