Was it not suspicious that the farmhouse windows were closed on an August night?

[John]

Was it not suspicious that the farmhouse windows were closed on a warm August night?

There has been much discussion over the years about the farmhouse windows and how Jeremy Bamber was able to get in.  One obvious question prevails though and that is why the windows were closed at all?

My own view is that they weren't closed but Jeremy had to make it look like an inside job so closed them to make the farmhouse appear to be securely locked.

Any thoughts?

[Holly Goodhead]

Don't most people close downstairs windows when they go to bed for security and adjust any upstairs windows for comfort?

The main bedroom window was open. 

[adam]

Big, remote farm houses are very vulnerable to break ins. Tony Martin said he had been burgled 10 times prior to him shooting a burglar.

So the downstairs windows I would expect to be locked. Maybe even have extra security such as bars or shutters. Bamber was lucky the downstairs windows did not have these. 

[adam]

Burglars will be more willing to break into a big property. Even if they have no idea whether the property is occupied.

There will be less chance of being heard if everyone is upstairs & asleep. The burglars can stay downstairs & see what they can get.

[John]

Burglars is one reason why farmers keep dogs around the farmhouse.  Another reason why we close windows on a warm summer evening of course is midges...the little b....rs are attracted to the light.  However, since the main bedroom window was open I suspect the midges weren't out that particular night, just a lone killer intent upon murder.

[adam]

Burglars is one reason why farmers keep dogs around the farmhouse.  Another reason why we close windows on a warm summer evening of course is midges...the little b....rs are attracted to the light.  However, since the main bedroom window was open I suspect the midges weren't out that particular night, just a lone killer intent upon murder.

I must admit a big guard dog left inside & downstairs at a big farm house would certainly help me sleep better. Tony Martin obviously didn't believe so.

[Samson]

Big, remote farm houses are very vulnerable to break ins. Tony Martin said he had been burgled 10 times prior to him shooting a burglar.

So the downstairs windows I would expect to be locked. Maybe even have extra security such as bars or shutters. Bamber was lucky the downstairs windows did not have these.

How do you mean Bamber was lucky? That suggests there was some benefit construed. Why would he care?

[adam]

How do you mean Bamber was lucky? That suggests there was some benefit construed. Why would he care?

Bamber was lucky the downstairs windows didn't have security bars or shutters. Which would have meant he couldn't have entered WHF through the bathroom window.

[John]

For all we know he used a strategically positioned ladder and entered via an unsecured upstairs window.

[Holly Goodhead]

For all we know he used a strategically positioned ladder and entered via an unsecured upstairs window.

Maybe his own bedroom which EP found locked (as in door).  If he left the window ajar with ladders strategically positioned this could explain his egress and ingress.  Still think he's innocent though! 

[adam]

There is no reason why Bamber would enter WHF through an upstairs window. It would be more difficult & he would only have to go straight downstairs to get the rifle.

Weren't all of the upstairs bedrooms occupied that night ? If not, it's still more likely he would wake people who were upstairs.

The bathroom window was loose or had even been left ajar by Bamber at supper.

[Holly Goodhead]

There is no reason why Bamber would enter WHF through an upstairs window. It would be more difficult & he would only have to go straight downstairs to get the rifle.

Weren't all of the upstairs bedrooms occupied that night ? If not, it's still more likely he would wake people who were upstairs.

The bathroom window was loose or had even been left ajar by Bamber at supper.

Not if he left the rifle in one of the outbuildings having found the rabbits gone!  It had a strap so he could have slung it over his shoulder as he climbed the ladder and entered like the SAS in the Iranian embassy siege. 

What about the chimney?  Any soot could act as camouflage.   

[adam]

Not if he left the rifle in one of the outbuildings having found the rabbits gone!  It had a strap so he could have slung it over his shoulder as he climbed the ladder and entered like the SAS in the Iranian embassy siege. 

What about the chimney?  Any soot could act as camouflage.

Yes he could have left the rifle outside.

He could have also put it back in the gun cupboard. As it wouldn't be noisey or time consuming taking it out. Unless the gun cupboard was lockable.

[John]

Not if he left the rifle in one of the outbuildings having found the rabbits gone!  It had a strap so he could have slung it over his shoulder as he climbed the ladder and entered like the SAS in the Iranian embassy siege. 

What about the chimney?  Any soot could act as camouflage.

That's a good point Holly, at the end of the day we only have Jeremy's say-so that he left the rifle in the house.

[APRIL]

That's a good point Holly, at the end of the day we only have Jeremy's say-so that he left the rifle in the house.

Actually, on reflection, other than what we know from Pam -because she spoke with both June and Sheila when she phoned- EVERYTHING we know of the circumstances, comes directly, or indirectly, from Jeremy.