Got burgled today.
Discussion
Not a particularly unusual occurrence, happens to plenty of people every day, I just wanted to show some gratitude to the BiB here.
Copper turned up within 20 minutes (he's a PH'er but I won't out him unless he wants me too!), he was friendly, professional and reassuring. He got the scene of crimes stuff sorted out inside an hour and made all the paperwork easy, I'm especially grateful for the time and patience he showed dealing with my other half, it hit her a bit hard and his careful explanations of how these things pan out really helped to calm her down. Scene of crimes lady was really lovely too, good job all round.
Got off lightly, bit of cash, some jewellery and a couple of electrical items, a few grand tops. They didn't touch the car, didn't trash my office, didn't deliberately smash anything and didn't s
t on the carpet so all in all it could've been much worse. I had 5 guitars in the house of great material and sentimental value and they didn't even kick them off the stands.
I've had at least 4 conversations with a local alarm guy over the last couple of years but just never got around to fitting one, that'll change now!
Take precautions people, it can happen!
Copper turned up within 20 minutes (he's a PH'er but I won't out him unless he wants me too!), he was friendly, professional and reassuring. He got the scene of crimes stuff sorted out inside an hour and made all the paperwork easy, I'm especially grateful for the time and patience he showed dealing with my other half, it hit her a bit hard and his careful explanations of how these things pan out really helped to calm her down. Scene of crimes lady was really lovely too, good job all round.
Got off lightly, bit of cash, some jewellery and a couple of electrical items, a few grand tops. They didn't touch the car, didn't trash my office, didn't deliberately smash anything and didn't s
t on the carpet so all in all it could've been much worse. I had 5 guitars in the house of great material and sentimental value and they didn't even kick them off the stands.I've had at least 4 conversations with a local alarm guy over the last couple of years but just never got around to fitting one, that'll change now!
Take precautions people, it can happen!
Really sorry to hear this mate. I thought it wouldnt happen to me too. live on a quite terrace of four houses. never had a minutes bother ever. then came downstairs 2 years ago and it didnt sink in that the tv was gone.. then i noticed laptops and a camera gone and cupboards opened. i was sick to the stomach, then had to tell her indoors... not good. I had a similar experience with the police. there in less than half an hour, scenes of crime fingerprint bod there 15 mins after. Very helpfull, reassuring and just all round top folk. we had the local pcso's call in that evening to say that they had other reports in the area so were upping patrols, and generally made us feel a bit more secure. i still get up whenever i think i hear something . its the feeling of strangers going through your stuff etc. I was insured and even the insurers were no issue and helpfull. paid every year for 20 years and this was my first ever claim. did not affect my latest quote either .
Jasandjules said:
Sorry to hear that mate. Is the OH ok? Get an alarm and/or a big dog or two.
Lot to be said for this advice. I have known of a number of attempted burglaries where the dogs present in the house have frightened off the miscreants. I realise that the serious criminals will be capable of dealing with such animas but the sneak thieves who are often responsible for these disgraceful crimes are definitely wary of well fitted and maintained alarms and the presence of dogs.As several friends of mine have found out over the years. SOCO officers invariably suggest making your home more secure and more difficult to enter unlawfully by keeping a sizeable dog,, who will make a real row at least and using approved slarm systems. I have personally heard them suggest that such devices are likely to mean that the criminals look elsewhere. Such experiences can be very unsettling and I do hope order is restored forthwith. Not an easy thing to come to terms with.
Best of Luck to the OP and his OH.
mybrainhurts said:
br d said:
They didn't touch the car, didn't trash my office, didn't deliberately smash anything and didn't st on the carpet
Police are mellowing a bit, then..?t on the carpet 
Oh my word I enjoyed that, thanks Nurts!
Nice area, never anything like this normally. I will now be installing razor wire and watch towers though!
Steff/JandJ.
The other half has always wanted a dog but I've never fancied it, hairs and all that, but a nice little Staffie or something would've made the world of difference today, might be worth thinking about it.
Edited by br d on Friday 10th April 21:30
Sorry to hear your news. My dad went through the same - the police officer and SOCO were absolutely fantastic, totally professional and calming. I think I was in more of a state than my dad and was the one who needed calming - after 45 years in the same house without incident he was burgled a week after my mum passed away. My dad was just pleased it had happened after she'd passed, as he knew how much it would have freaked her out. Hope you wife is ok.
Edited by JQ on Friday 10th April 21:58
Nice to see the old bill doing something right for once! - Hope you get everything sorted and back to normal ASAP and that fortress built - snipers included!
I'm sure the OH will be fine in time once you are back to "normality", just make sure you don't let it affect your everyday life (or breakfast!
...)
All the best,
Phil
I'm sure the OH will be fine in time once you are back to "normality", just make sure you don't let it affect your everyday life (or breakfast!
...)All the best,
Phil
mybrainhurts said:
Police are mellowing a bit, then..?
I know they still have their moments!! Edited by The PMP on Friday 10th April 22:55
My sympathies. I know the feeling from many years ago . Wife said it felt like a violation of her personal space. Dog front- you don't need something large. Something small ( terrier ) would suffice. Last thing burglars want is noise, and Terriers can provide that in quantity ,and in a dark room, not the thing a burglar wants to meet. I'm on second rescue Cairn . Last one had a cold caller exit garden at Mach 1. Present one is almost as bad, but gives more advanced warning. Bonus is that although they may shed, there's not the dog hair problem . http://www.cairn-rescue.co.uk/ has dogs looking for a good forever home, though Westies ( descended from Cairns ,as a white sub breed) http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/fi... have dogs also looking for homes.
We were burgled in 2008; I went to the loo and noticed a draught, popped my head down the stairs and the front door was wide open.
Went down and could see stuff all over the floor from the bags that hung on that banister, the medecine cabinet in the kitchen had been ransacked, went in to the lounge, a window was wide open and pictures and ornaments were all over the floor and the cushions were minus their covers.
They only took small electrical items and a bit of cash, the cushions covers are used to carry everything, the Police reckon from what was taken that they were opportunist druggies; small items that can be sold.
We only left a small window in the lounge open as it was a hot night and still I haven't a clue how they managed too get it as the way the windows work and the size of the one that was open would make it impossible; anyway they did get in.
The Police were great, they were discreet, they were quick, SOCO were fantastic too we had all the help we needed; they were never found though, didn't expect them to though. Tesco insurance were great and I had replacement stuff within a week.
It affected my youngest for years, she wasn't even in the house at the time she was at a friends but it stopped her staying out in the evenings and to this day she rarely stays away.
The dog was asleep on the bed through the whole thing!!
Went down and could see stuff all over the floor from the bags that hung on that banister, the medecine cabinet in the kitchen had been ransacked, went in to the lounge, a window was wide open and pictures and ornaments were all over the floor and the cushions were minus their covers.
They only took small electrical items and a bit of cash, the cushions covers are used to carry everything, the Police reckon from what was taken that they were opportunist druggies; small items that can be sold.
We only left a small window in the lounge open as it was a hot night and still I haven't a clue how they managed too get it as the way the windows work and the size of the one that was open would make it impossible; anyway they did get in.
The Police were great, they were discreet, they were quick, SOCO were fantastic too we had all the help we needed; they were never found though, didn't expect them to though. Tesco insurance were great and I had replacement stuff within a week.
It affected my youngest for years, she wasn't even in the house at the time she was at a friends but it stopped her staying out in the evenings and to this day she rarely stays away.
The dog was asleep on the bed through the whole thing!!
Edited by HTP99 on Saturday 11th April 07:24
I really don't understand this dog obsession once burgled. Dogs are more part of the family nowadays than working animals. There is also an even bigger emotional upset if the more determined thief breaks in / wants something of yours. They've been known to poison / blind / stab or otherwise seriously injure the dog.
When I split with my ex she took our dogs, as I work away a lot. I would never put them in the way of harm over some inanimate objects.
Get an alarm.
When I split with my ex she took our dogs, as I work away a lot. I would never put them in the way of harm over some inanimate objects.
Get an alarm.
Agree with LoonR1 on this - our dogs are more part of the family than any form of security system.
That could partly be because they're greyhounds though. They're utterly useless as guard dogs - only way they'd stop a burglar is if he tripped over them!
There are practical issues with dogs and alarms too - they tend to set off motion sensors.
That could partly be because they're greyhounds though. They're utterly useless as guard dogs - only way they'd stop a burglar is if he tripped over them!
There are practical issues with dogs and alarms too - they tend to set off motion sensors.
TwigtheWonderkid said:
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
When our local ambulance depot was burgled they stole the guard dogs & the CCTV cameras.
As said, a decent, probably monitored alarm is the way to go.
As said, a decent, probably monitored alarm is the way to go.
Has anyone ever had their burglar alarm nicked?
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