Just got burglarized, what do I do now?

[CaminoKlng71]

Got home tonight after work to find my bedroom window smashed in with a brick and my home ransacked. The girls jewelrey, my TV, my watches and most importantly my great Great Grandfathers wedding ring which has been worn by every man in my family since. 120 years and 2 world wars, and some junky with a brick took it to buy his fix.
Ironically I posted a thread about 3 weeks ago asking about garage security, and they didn't get into the garage.
#1. So here is the question, the girl is freaked out and is staying with her sister, and to be honest I too am feeling the personal violation as well. How do I get her to be comfortable being in the house again?

#2 How do you guys recommend securing the house? Totally open to conservative and the extreme/weird.

#3. I now have a beautiful piece of OSB covering my bedroom window. What do you spray paint on this to ward off any additional passers by.
Example: "Survivors will be shot again" or "OC's Largest In-home Aligator Farm"

 

[softailgarage]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

It will take time for everyone to again feel "comfortable". I think the best you can do is to secure the hous, whatever ways you choose, as soon as possible and show them what you've done. As far as securing the house, I would install cameras and a security system like ADT or Gaurdian and let everyone know it with signs like I have. I've got 10 camera's outside and had ADT but Guardian came by and gave us a better deal. I have signs and stickers on every window. I put rods in the window sills so they cant be opened from outside, deadbolts on the front & rear doors and a couple of other things I wont discuss. What part of OC are you in? I would trade that OSB for some 3/4" plywood. Have a police report taken and ask for additional patrols in the neighborhood. You can also talk to your neighbors, maybe someone saw something or better yet, maybe they have a camera that caught something.
Also, start checking pawn shops in the area and watch craigslist and ebay for your stuff

 

[rsanter]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

Typically an alarm that makes noise will scare them away
That and buy a safe.

Bob

 

[Harrison2]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

get a dog.

 

[CaminoKlng71]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

I'm in Santa Ana, CA. My neighborhood is actually supposed to have a patrol car in the area at all times, but when I called tonight...it took 3:45 for someone to show up.
I think an alarm is going to be a must, and i have a great spot to put a camera that faces the alley behind my house.
I will deffinitly go hit some of the local pawn shops, I hadn't thought about Ebay but that's probubly a good idea as well.

 

[The Gambler]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

i have signs all over my place like "forget the dog beware of owner" "trespassers will be shot survivors will be shot again" "if your found here at night you'll be found here in the morning" i also have a spare vehical in the drive way that i move around weekly to make people think someones always home

 

[Angelfire]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

My Mother's house got hit a few years ago. The police that showed up said the best deterrent in their experience was having a noisy dog and signs that you have a dog followed closely by having cameras visible on the outside.

 

[CaminoKlng71]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

I have wanted a dog for years and this might bring the girl around to the idea.

 

[Karl_B]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

Burglars want to get in, get your stuff, and get out without being caught. Good lighting outside is a must. Keep any shrubs or trees from covering your windows. I like to leave a TV or radio on and always leave a random light on inside if I leave the house for a while.

Basically, do anything you can to make it look like someone is home, make sure all the points of entry can be seen easily, and don't leave valuables in plain site. I won't place anything you can find in a pawn shop where it can be seen by a passers-by.

If you have small valuables like cash and jewelry, buy a good safe and anchor it well, especially if it's small. A jewelry box works just as well in a safe as on a dresser. If you go for cameras, be sure to point more than one in places you can be sure a person would walk. If you can't get a clean shot of the face, it's hard to I.D. someone. I would also set up the cameras with a battery back-up. There are a ton of options for cameras and alarms, so you will have to take your specific building and needs into account on that one.

One last suggestion that rarely gets mentioned: talk to your neighbors. You should have the names and phone numbers of at least those with adjoining property. Talk to them about the burglary, let them know you are going to start watching for suspicious activity and ask them to do the same. Although the purpose of all this is to prevent a future crime, you might even find some new information about the present one.

 

[rodm1]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

Sorry to here that! It's one of the worst think you can go threw. But don't post "Survivors will be shot again" or anything threatening. If it happens the prosecutor will have a field day with it.

Best to keep a low profile and let your neighbors now. Check the pawn shops for your stuff. Best of luck getting your stuff back.

 

[softailgarage]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

I'm in Santa Ana, CA. My neighborhood is actually supposed to have a patrol car in the area at all times, but when I called tonight...it took 3:45 for someone to show up.
I think an alarm is going to be a must, and i have a great spot to put a camera that faces the alley behind my house.
I will deffinitly go hit some of the local pawn shops, I hadn't thought about Ebay but that's probubly a good idea as well.

Lived in Santa Ana for many years, tough town. Depending on where you're at in S.A. you might want to invest in some "self protection". I like the audible alarm idea. Something old, loud & clanky should scare anybody off (But in Santa Ana they may shoot it )

 

[gungatim]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

When I got broken into a couple years ago (I live in the country) my wife came home and scared them off, they left most of the loot in pillowcases on the floor but got away with some laptops and other misc. stuff. Of course cops don't really do anything so I kept an eye on craigslist for my stuff listed and checked local pawn/second hand shops. I did not find my stuff but someone else in the area found theirs and they got busted re-selling stolen items from the local area and confessed to hitting my house. So my advice is keep an eye out (unfortunately you appear to be in a big city so maybe not so easy) and maybe you will see something of yours listed. then call the cops again, they can get a warrant and search their home and may find other stolen items...many thieves get caught this way.

As far as security, not much you can do. If they want in, they will get in. if you have real valuables, keep them hidden. not the usual places, burglars know exactly where to look (your drawers were probably pulled out, mattress flipped, etc.). I have a safe for papers and passports titles, etc. but real valuables are hidden. Try oddball places only you know about in your home. One empty boardgame box mixed in with others on a basement shelf; empty cleaned out juice can at the back of the pantry, etc. be creative. Thieves want to get in and out fast, not take time emptying every little item in the kitchen or unscrewing heater vents, etc. False drawers, false toe-kicks under the cabinets, get a set of old encyclopedias and use a band saw to cut the spines off several and glue to a box, put on a bookshelf, etc. Keep the stuff out of the bedrooms, that's where they look first. I had a money box out in the open on a garage shelf next to lightbulbs, they never gave it a second look.

 

[Lippyp]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

Alarms are good, especially if they are the type monitored by a security company. We got burgled in our last house, they broke in through the bathroom window which was above a single story sloping roof of a lean too type extension. They didn't go downstairs because the alarm would have gone off the moment they stepped out of the bathroom door. This meant we at least got off without losing all the electrical stuff downstairs like the TV etc.

Even if you can't afford to fit an alarm now you can buy very realistic dummy alarm boxes these days with flashing LED's and that acts as a visual deterrent, good security lighting, making sure anything they can climb on to get to an upstairs window is secured etc etc. That and good window locks. If you have a particularly vulnerable window then you could have anti-smash film put on it or even a grille.

 

[gungatim]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

One other little trick that may help: get a manniquen (sp?) head and mount it somewhere where it can be seen through a window on a drive by. I have one in my garage and our house up North has two in different windows. If someone drives by, they see someone and just keep moving. I mount it on a cardboard box with a t-shirt over the box and a hat on the head. looks like someone looking out the window. move it around regularly so it's not always in the same spot.

 

[Diesel Dan]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

Here is a product that can be added to your current windows.
3m safety film

 

[roscoe2000]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

On top of an alarm and security cameras, take a survey of around the outside of your home. Look for any sight line obstructions from the street and neighbors property, yes it may provide privacy but it also provides cover for the criminals.
When you do this, think like a criminal. Do this during the day and at night, then plan on cutting back or removing any hedges or shrubs that may provide cover. Also look at adding additional outside lighting to illuminate any dark areas. You don't need to light up your yard like an airport run way, but to remove shadows.

 

[bczygan]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

The most valuable thing that they stole, was your peace of mind and feeling of security.

You will never completely get it back.

 

[Davefr]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

If you have small valuables like cash and jewelry, buy a good safe and anchor it well, especially if it's small. A jewelry box works just as well in a safe as on a dresser.

I disagree. A homeowner safe will be a target and burglars will get it out unless it's embedded in rebar reinforced concrete.

A safe will send them into the garage to get tools to remove it and they'll likely cause lots of damage in the process.

Valuable needs to be very well hidden or in a safe deposit box. An unanchored safe with no contents might be a good as a decoy. They take the safe and get out thinking that's where the good stuff is until they get home, open it and find it's empty.

The best strategy is to make your home look like a PIA/risky to break in relative to your neighbors. Burglars usually take the path of least resistance.

(lights/dogs/security system signs/noise/open views of doors windows/etc)

 

[fomocoforrester]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

First you need motion sensors at each possible entry point - then ....

the alarm needs to be routed to your phone so you can call the cops - then....

you need cctv cameras in critical areas linked to your phone so you can see what they're up to - then....

you need your phone hooked up to your entertainment center so you can tell them they need to GET OUT NOW!!! - because you've called the cops and you've got them on camera.

Then you can relax on the other side of the world knowing that you can handle any situation that may develop back home including fire and flooding if need be ....

PS - sorry about your present situation - in the past I've always tried to rationalise the loss of any items of sentimental value by saying it's only stuff and probably no one will care in 100 years time.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

I'm in Santa Ana, CA. My neighborhood is actually supposed to have a patrol car in the area at all times, but when I called tonight...it took 3:45 for someone to show up.

3 minutes 45 seconds or 3 hours 45 minutes ?


The first is not a bad response time, the latter, either means high crime area, officer shortage or a major call that was more important.

 

[Matt M PA]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

Terrible to read this.

We've had a monitored security system in our house as long as we've lived here...yet I still believe if some POS thinks you have something he needs...he's going to try to get it. My garage is connected too with motion sensors, door sensors, heat sensors, etc.

I think Jeff Foxworthy said it best and I paraphrase. "If there's an engine hanging in a tree in the front yard....thieves know a shotgun lives in that house"...

 

[Micscience]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

Man that *****. I have been robbed myself. They climbed up the fire escape and went threw the window. It bothered me for a bit, mainly because I really wanted to catch the person but also I wish I had been more careful. I couldn't get it out of my head for awhile always thinking about who it was and other such thoughts.

A dog might help but a dog is a chore. I'm no expert but would feel most comfortable having a security camera because then I could do some detective work but an alarm is really a good deterrent you can't really concentrate with an alarm on and most thief's just usually run imo.

One more thing and that is usually it is somebody you know that breaks into your house. Some neighbor or someone so I would pay attention to suspicious behavior.

 

[Flivver250]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

i have signs all over my place like "forget the dog beware of owner" "trespassers will be shot survivors will be shot again" "if your found here at night you'll be found here in the morning" i also have a spare vehical in the drive way that i move around weekly to make people think someones always home

Those signs can work against you in the courtroom if you ever have to defend your home. I'd suggest taking them down.

 

[DenisG]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

My wife and I have neighbors that we trust. We help each other when we can.

 

[stonesfan68]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

I just bought an alarm system from Simplisafe.com. It is self-installed, and costs $15/month for monitoring via a cellular connection. (No landline is required.) The system will set you back $300-500 depending on what you need, but it is a good system that consistently gets positive feedback.

 

[Paul1956]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

Install steel gate with lock on all entry doors so they
cannot be kicked in.

Install the 3M Safety & Security film on all windows to
harden up the windows.

Install security system with motion detectors, glass
breakage detectors, all entrance contact points.

Post signs you have security but do not announce
which service or what kind.

If your yard is fenced ensure you lock your gates
to make gaining access to the house harder.

Don't leave robber tools laying around outside the
house. This could be anything from stones, bricks
and anything that could be used to gain access.

View your house as a robber would... is it an easy
target? If so, all those points need to be addressed.

 

[98ramtough]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

I think a barking dog is usually the best. Might look into something like this..

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BHV6FY6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[BrianL]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

I agree..A barking dog is usually the best! Sorry to hear about this.

 

[Lombie]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

So sorry to hear about this. The feeling of violation only adds insult to the injury of loss.

The biggest deterrents and protective measures have been said, so I'll add just a few small points.

If you install an alarm system, you may want to consider a wireless (cellular) system. ADT and others have alarm systems available that place cellular calls when triggered, not landline calls, so snipping the phone line does not defeat the system.

If you install a video monitoring system, you really need to research image quality so you understand your options and have realistic expectations before making a significant purchase for a system that doesn't really do what you want it to do.

If, for example, your goal is to be able to identify a license plate on a car outside your home or specific facial details, then you'll need an expensive high definition camera, not the run of the mill cameras that you find at Costco and other retailers. Those definitely have their purpose and are cost effective, but you need to understand their limitations.

Do some online research and you'll find many side-by-side image comparisons to help you determine what meets your needs. After you have a baseline knowledge of what's out there and your needs, contact a FEW video surveillance firms and do consultations with them at your house. An experienced consultant will help you put together a system that best matches your physical and budgetary requirements.

Also, my favorite low-def video solution involves a covert camera that's placed inside something routine, such as a light fixture, wall clock, or teddy bear on a shelf. The reason? Many burglars won't recognize the camera for what it is and will not hide their faces. I saw a news segment some months back where a male/female pair of burglars each got right up close to the camera, like they were looking in a mirror. I'm not sure what the device was, but the pair might as well have left their drivers' licenses behind because they so clearly identifiable.

If you get a safe, purchase a high quality brand (like Liberty) from a reputable dealer that knows how to ground mount them. You'll want the safe to be bolted to the ground. Also, the more interior walls between the safe and the exit point, the better. Many say you should avoid putting a safe in the garage, if possible. If someone can access your garage interior, they can work on the safe for an extended period or open the door and yank it out. One benefit of Liberty specifically is that, if your safe is ever broken into or damaged in a fire, they'll give you a new one free of charge.

There are lots of other excellent suggestions in the thread and I wish you the best of luck in putting together a plan that brings peace of mind to your family.

-Lombie

 

[BellyUpFish]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

I just bought an alarm system from Simplisafe.com. It is self-installed, and costs $15/month for monitoring via a cellular connection. (No landline is required.) The system will set you back $300-500 depending on what you need, but it is a good system that consistently gets positive feedback.

How do you like it so far? We have been eyeing Simplisafe..

 

[ez-duzit]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

I had my house broken into many years ago. It turned out to be the neighbor's kid from across the street.

 

[Steven67fr]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

All the houses of Friends I have that have never been broken into have significant outdoor lighting at night. Think back and front yard like a stadium. No one wants to break in to that. Costco has security camera systems at a good price. Dog would be good. And a few signs couldn't hurt.

Sorry to hear about the losses and the fact that this is so close to home as I'm in OC as well.

Good luck!

 

[D.J.]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

I guess I'm different, for what I pay in dog food and vet bills, heartworm meds, I can have a security system that I don't have to time out my return home times to eliminate any accidents by the animals, and the system could call me to alert me to fire, flood break - ins etc. But I can't have the security system curl up next to me when reading GJ and watching TV, like my two SE's do. So I could see both sides of the situation.

 

[CaminoKlng71]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

3 minutes 45 seconds or 3 hours 45 minutes ?


The first is not a bad response time, the latter, either means high crime area, officer shortage or a major call that was more important.

3 hours 45 minutes. I told them there was a break in and the whole house was tossed. They said they were on a shift change and would be there as soon as they could.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

 

[CaminoKlng71]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

Those signs can work against you in the courtroom if you ever have to defend your home. I'd suggest taking them down.

I haven't actually posted anything on the covered window. I was more just looking for some funny comments from the GJ jokers.

 

[ibedayank]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

sign.. Please steal the other half she costs me more then any of the other stuff here!!



a large LOUD dog that likes to bark when people come in the yard
buglar bars... well coverd by cameras alarm WELL lit by motion lights
however all these do nothing if it take "law enforcement" 4 hours to get there

 

[hemifalcon]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

That response time sounds pretty unusual..

Recommendation--talk with the detectives who are doing the work digging for you. Were there any additional break in's throughout the neighborhood that night or as of recent days/weeks?

Do you have any family/friends or are their friends of family/friends who may have targeted your place? You have to think outside the box if this is an isolated incident.

Start checking the local pawn shops asap for any of those jewelry items.

Did you have any pictures of the jewelry for details and help in identifying the pieces?

Just thinking from the law enforcement angle to help you out.

Sorry to hear of your loss-but don't give up yet.

 

[tjpavlov]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

A couple of thoughts...

Be careful hanging signs advertising your security system. People love to have their ADT signs up near their mailbox. All this does is tell the thief what kind of security system you have. If they want to get in, they will know how to get past your system. You are better off leaving them guessing or just letting them break a window and then run when they are suprised by the alarm.

Also beware that sometimes thiefs come back a second time. They may realize after they get home that your house had an expensive guitar in it, or tools that they find out are worth more than they thought. Getting robbed a week later happens. So I would get a minimum level of security up immediately. Get an alarm and some better lighting if you need it.

I would think about Door Jamb Armor if you are concerned about getting kicked in. Check out this site:

www.securitysnobs.com

I am not affiliated with them.... just had a good purchase from them in the past.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

Re: Just got Robbed, what do I do now?

Be careful hanging signs advertising your security system. People love to have their ADT signs up near their mailbox. All this does is tell the thief what kind of security system you have. If they want to get in, they will know how to get past your system

Meh, this can go either way. A friend of mine had an ADT sign in his yard during some break-ins in the neighborhood. While his was untouched, his two next-door neighbors were hit. And he had only the sign, not the system.

The "smash and grabs" are generally put off by simple signs, as they just don't want to chance it.