Violated (and not in a good way)
I've retreated into hermit mode over the last little while because like the title says, I feel violated. My house got broken into.
I had gotten up a little earlier than usual to hit the gym before going to work. I was hoping a yoga class might keep my back from getting too sore because we had a big demo day planned pulling old wooden shingles off the outside of a house. It wasn't part of a normal routine or anything like that and I was only gone for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
When I got back, my front door was open and there was stuff everywhere. It looked like the thief (or thieves) was looking for cash, opening drawers, dumping out baskets and tins all over the floor. They didn't find anything there since I keep my cash in a little fire safe in my office, in case of, you know...a fire. Fortunately my fire safe has a handle, so I'm sure that made it much easier for the thief to walk out with, freeing up his spare hand to walk out with other stuff, like my camera bag and Xbox 360.
So...yeah. I'm bummed.
The bright side is that the dogs were unharmed. The thief locked them in the bathroom and they don't appear any worse for wear (though the Pug is barking at EVERYTHING now when I take him outside). Pretty considerate for someone who thinks that robbing his fellow man (or woman) is an appropriate way to earn a buck.
The other bright side is that nothing of any sentimental value was taken. Everything was easily pawn-able and also easily replaced.
The part that is freaking me out and making me jump at every bump in the night (oh, to get a good night's sleep!) is that the guy must have been watching my house. I wasn't gone for more than an hour and a half, but when I left, my landlord was still home. He left about 30 minutes after I did, so the window of opportunity was maybe 45 minutes.
My landlord's place was broken into a few months ago too. He took his (big) dogs to the park and in the 20 minutes that he was gone, a door was smashed in and anything easy to grab was grabbed. Again, a pretty small window of opportunity. And a very creepy feeling of being watched.
Anyway, there are alarm guys putting an alarm system in right now, but I would love to hear any security tips you've got. These guys got a pretty decent haul from my place, so it's safe to say that they'll try to hit me again in a few months. You know, by the time I've replaced everything!
Any super crafty ninja spy secrets for securing my fortress?
Labels: home security, personal stuff
posted by Kris Madison at 11:54 AM
6 Comments:
If you don't already have it, i'd recommned renter's insurance. Like home owners insurance it will help to replace your stuff. Mention you have a security system and you should get a cheaper rate.
By
Tim, at 1:29 PM
Yikes!! That's so freaky. Do you have renters insurance? The place you live is terrible for that type of crime; I had a camera stolen out of a car there and my favorite pair of cowboy boots (among other things). That's a relief about the dogs though. The person probably fancies himself a guardian angel of sorts, being a "thoughtful" thief.
By
Trixie, at 4:23 PM
I'm so sorry for what happened. Having dealt with a similar situation a few years back I know that terrible feeling of violation all too well.
Have you considered using your web cam as part of a defense? Won't necessarily prevent an occurrence but makes it more likely the perp will get caught.
Good luck and stay safe!fg
By
krisadmirer, at 9:14 PM
Hi Kris!
I was wondering if something was wrong, since there were no updates in a long time... So sorry to hear about the burglary - I've had a few of my cars broken into, and I've felt violated because of it, but it must be so much worse when it's your home... Glad to hear you and the dogs are okay!
I've dreamed of installing a mobile phone based camera in the car, and have it snap and send pictures whenever the alarm was trapped - maybe some sort of surveillance of that type would help at home, too? (On a more humorous note: Perhaps a webcam - as you've noted, some criminals just can't help themselves sometimes.. :) )
I'd love to tell you I had the perfect solution, but I don't. I'll tell you if I get a bright idea, though!
Love, Paul
By
Paul, at 2:03 AM
holy smoke, I'm sorry to hear about this....thank goodness the dogs are ok. Definately listen to those who mentioned insurance - and a Louisville Slugger or two around the house wouldn't hurt either ;)
By
jon, at 7:04 AM
Thanks for all of the well wishes everybody. I do have insurance, so trying to dig up serial numbers and that sort of stuff to make a claim. Assuming that all goes smoothly, I should really only be out the deductible (and the peace of mind).
I am curious if some kind of surveillance cam would serve as a deterrent or not, especially since it seems my particular burglars are repeat neighborhood offenders. Would be a lot easier for the neighborhood watch to take affect if we knew who we were looking out for.
By
Kris Madison, at 12:53 PM
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