On the night of Tuesday, Bettina Falensteen woke up several times, disturbed by her dog’s reactions. Even though she walked around her house, she noticed nothing unusual at the time. However, the next day, she discovered signs of a break-in attempt: the door from the garden to the conservatory was open, and the handle to the living room was pushed down.

Bettina Falensteen, who lives alone with her daughter in Viby Sjælland, a town in eastern Denmark, now feels unsafe in her home. Viby Sjælland is one of three towns in the Central Zealand region, including Gadstrup and Havdrup, that have been hit by a wave of break-ins. According to the Mid and West Zealand Police (Midt- og Vestsjællands Politi), more than ten reports have been received concerning nighttime incidents, where a man has in some cases entered homes, while in other instances, it has been an attempted break-in. The police cannot confirm whether the same perpetrator is behind all the incidents.

“This is very unpleasant. I live alone with my daughter, who sometimes is home alone. You do not know what he intends to do—whether he wants to steal something or just take a look inside,” explains Bettina Falensteen.

It is precisely to highlight this problem that Bettina Falensteen has chosen to share her story. The break-in attempt has deeply affected her daily life. “I didn’t sleep at home the first night, and the second night my boyfriend stayed over. I am generally sleeping very poorly these days,” she adds, noting that she is constantly alert to sounds during the night.

Although Bettina Falensteen briefly considered whether the wind could have caused the open door, she dismisses this explanation. “The outer door always slams shut, so the wind cannot open it. And the handle on the inner door remains down when someone has pulled on it from outside.”

The case has now been reported to the police, and Bettina Falensteen has discussed with her neighbors about being extra vigilant. She has also invested in surveillance cameras to enhance her security.

The Mid and West Zealand Police have confirmed that they are still working on the approximately ten reports they have received. “We have increased patrols at night with unmarked vehicles, but have yet to encounter the perpetrator,” states the police, while also urging local residents to secure their doors and windows properly.