Teen Girl Left ‘Terrified’ After Burglar Locks Her in Bedroom During Home Invasion
A 14-year-old girl in Sidcup has been left shaken after a burglar broke into her family home on Burnt Oak Lane, allegedly trapping her in her bedroom while stealing valuables.
Break-In Happens While Family Out
The terrifying incident took place around 10am on Tuesday, July 23. Her dad was at work and her mum was out dropping off her younger brother at nursery and shopping.
The girl’s father, who asked to remain anonymous, told the News Shopper that the intruder smashed through the porch window to get inside.
“He made his way upstairs and rummaged through everything in our bedroom,” he said. “He took all my wife’s jewellery—her engagement ring, Rolex, costume jewellery—and even my son’s bangles he received at birth. All she has left are the earrings she was wearing.”
Burglar Threatens Girl with Hammer
The suspect confronted the girl with a hammer, shouted at her, and locked her in her room. The father explained, “She thought her mum had come home and opened the door. They told her to shut her f***ing mouth. She threw herself on the bed and hid under the covers.”
Terrified, the girl called her father fearing for her life. Her mum rushed home without finishing shopping, while her dad called a neighbour for help. The burglar fled before police arrived.
Police Response and Family’s Ongoing Struggle
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed the severity of the incident. A spokesperson said: “Everyone in London has the right to feel safe in their own home. We recognise this was a terrifying incident for the victim.”
The father expressed frustration with the police response, saying he had to call them multiple times after the burglary. Officers visited the home on August 2 with new CCTV images. The investigation is ongoing with house-to-house enquiries under way.
“My partner isn’t sleeping,” the father added. “My daughter is scared to come back home. She’s usually so bubbly but she’s not herself, which is expected.”
Police urge anyone with information to come forward as they continue to support the family and investigate the crime.
