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n a chilling account, social media influencer Kate Bartlett recounts the harrowing moment she discovered a stranger had broken into her Manhattan apartment in the dead of night. The 25-year-old's luxury high-rise building, with its 24-hour doorman and key card system, had given her a false sense of security.
Bartlett, who has built a massive following by sharing her life as a fashionista and world traveler, decided to share her story in the hopes that it might prevent others from experiencing similar trauma. "I debated telling this story for a long time," she said, "but I want to make sure that my experience can help keep one person safe."
The incident occurred two years ago when Bartlett was living on the 42nd floor of a high-rise building in downtown Manhattan. She had grown complacent about security, often leaving her door unlocked and relying on the building's key card system for access.
On the night of the break-in, Bartlett was asleep when she heard the door open. Assuming it was her boyfriend, who sometimes visited late at night, she didn't think much of it. But as she began to hear rustling sounds and someone trying to turn on the lights, she realized something was amiss.
"I called out his name, and I heard a man's voice say, 'No, this is housekeeping,'" Bartlett recalled. Her heart sank as she grabbed her tripod as a makeshift weapon and inched towards the living room to confront the intruder.
The stranger fled, but not before leaving Bartlett shaken. She reported the incident to the police and building management, only to be met with skepticism and even accusations of hallucination. It wasn't until another woman in the building was targeted that the authorities finally took action, catching the suspect in the service elevator.
However, due to a lack of "No trespassing" signs in the building, the police were unable to make an arrest. Bartlett's story highlights the importance of taking security precautions seriously, even in what may seem like safe environments.
As she urged her followers to lock their doors and deadbolt them, Bartlett emphasized that no one is immune to the risk of break-ins. "Even if you live in a luxury building," she said, "it's still crucial to take your safety into account."
