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General and Gaming => Off Topic => Topic started by: marvelvscapcom2 on August 09, 2019, 10:04:10 pm

Title: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: marvelvscapcom2 on August 09, 2019, 10:04:10 pm
Hello everyone :(

 
Today I went out to eat with my family and had such a lovely morning with sunny beautiful weather which would sadly end in a bad surprise when we returned.  I went out in my car leaving my house completely unattended as my girlfriend who usually does streaming on the 2nd floor came.  We enjoyed such a lovely evening with my 92 year old great grandmother out of town and my parents. 


When I returned I was greeted with a pretty negative sight that has haunted me and has been one of my worst nightmares since as far as I can remember deciding to hoard valuable things lol.

(https://scontent.fbed1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/67908208_1290489364466220_3864156611350102016_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&_nc_oc=AQlrULwryYjlwlUNa_iQJ7d5LPHb5eiSgsWIcw2VJxnifDek959O6b7fEQlKdWwrVSlXYob2GSA78MLxlJykVWsJ&_nc_ht=scontent.fbed1-1.fna&oh=b5b2e9b5f5b45e24cbcc52095ac465ed&oe=5DEBDD2A)




My bottom landing door was completely caved in. Split up the middle, door frame pounded through and dead bolt snapped. And the 2nd floor door was completely split around the door knob, shreded with a crow bar, hammer dents all over the door knob but not breached luckily.  Somehow they gave up.  My door on the 3rd floor was untouched.

(https://scontent.fbed1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/67748467_403809303581726_13850393356271616_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_oc=AQkZxtB5ENy1ETjW-V6MY9dPHRbNQq5ph87fyKGMRbxzIcfRdJg6wijjjARycpimsN_R_LuzW8BiOphRZA_J_uwM&_nc_ht=scontent.fbed1-2.fna&oh=e0c35df43438bf03d93f906e774e21bc&oe=5DE90537)


I am so lucky that they werent able to steal anything. It's the only silver lining to it all. But I still feel so violated.  It's a horrible dirty feeling to know someone has broken into your home and violated your space and privacy.  I can't describe it.  It's like a feeling of being breached.  I feel like I'm being watched now and have been paranoid every since.


My only idea for why they gave up is my 110 pound labrador.  I assume he heard the noise and barked spooking them off.  He was pretty shooken up when we got back.


This was broad daylight mind you.  :(
 

Tough one for the books.  But this has been a great wakeup call to fortify my home like I always should have with some sort of private security system.   And I can take this as a positive which is my only way of moving on and coping.  I think this was a warning to show me that I need to be less silly with my collection and protect it with a alarm type thing that alerts the police.


Which brings me into the question part of my post. :)


How do you guys protect your home from burglars? 



For the record, I do have means of protecting the house from an intruder if i'm present.


But that only helps when i'm home.  Which in fairness is most of the time.


What i'm really looking for is one of those alarms that work with Alexa that when someone breaks in it sends an Alarm to the police immediately and then you can see who did it and stuff like that and usually the alarm scares them away :)



But for now I am going to buy 2 water proof motion detecting cameras and a sign that says "Trespassers will be shot" and stuff of the sorts :D



Sorry for a negative post everyone but I would really like to here opinions.  Have any of you ever been robbed?  It's so scary  :( :'(




Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: oldgamerz on August 09, 2019, 10:33:26 pm
Sorry to hear this :(

You can't really prevent yourself from being robbed if the burglar is desperate enough. When I lived alone in Detroit Michigan in an apartment. I just happen to be both home and awake at 4AM. someone started to shake my door nob but as soon as the person saw me on my computer through my window, the guy said the word shit and ran away from my apartment, at this time I didn't really anything he could steal. besides my desktop PC.

I would watch who You bring into your apartment and what you tell people. But I got lucky because I was both home and awake when this happened. Also I heard of someone getting robbed of food as well from another person I used to talk to in Detroit area.

It is safer to live with someone and  sometimes to have good neighbors that will help you or witness something.

My rule for the city life is don't trust anyone, make friends with good neighbors if they can be trusted

Be aware that now people have different ways of robbing someone place, I've even had people enter my 2nd apartment with a key or lock pick leaving no trace behind, except for muddy boot prints on my kitchen floor.

Also I was robbed some of my music CD's by some roofers. That were working on my apartments roof they stole some things I had in storage in my attic at the time

Sometimes an alarm does nothing to help you there are ways people can disable them, and they cost a ton of money. I would try to talk to your landlord as well marvelvscapcom2.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: bikingjahuty on August 09, 2019, 11:57:57 pm
Sorry to hear the bad news. Yeah, it feels very unsettling when you have something stolen from you. I had a bike stolen a while back, and miraculously recovered it about 8 months later through pure chance! Still, when I got it back it just didn't feel the same, probably because I knew some scumbag took it, had it, sold it, and it was being used by another person who had no idea it was pilfered goods. I've fortunately never lived somewhere that was broken into, but I can imagine feeling like you do right now if it did :/
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: oldgamerz on August 10, 2019, 12:11:21 am
I do not have respect for people who steal for pleasure or to make profit off someones else's stuff. I could care less if they felt they needed to get high and buy drugs or if they just took it just because they wanted to.

I also don't like people that blame stealing in general as a mental illness. or diagnose or call someone innocent because of kleptomania sorry but I lost a lot of stuff growing up from possible kleptomaniac people


Off topic but I've had a lot of things stolen from people I thought were my best friends

lets see brand new game boy all game boy games, all game gear games plus Game Gear with magnifying screen, these thing were not cheap and I still to this day feel violated because it was all gifts from my family and even hot wheel cars in which I am no longer upset about


screw people who steal for fun or to sell or buy drugs or any other reason. Food is acceptable but anything else not so

(edit) I did eventually get both the Game Gear and the Game boy back from a complete stranger. Another boy I never met before came to my door I was nice to him. and he returned them. from somewhere I never seen him ever again for all I know it could have been an angel.

He somehow obtained it he was vary nice and I thanked him. But I never played it again because the games were still gone and I thought I would never be able to buy any more games for them
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: marvelvscapcom2 on August 10, 2019, 02:19:13 am
Sorry to hear this :(

You can't really prevent yourself from being robbed if the burglar is desperate enough. When I lived alone in Detroit Michigan in an apartment. I just happen to be both home and awake at 4AM. someone started to shake my door nob but as soon as the person saw me on my computer through my window, the guy said the word shit and ran away from my apartment, at this time I didn't really anything he could steal. besides my desktop PC.

I would watch who You bring into your apartment and what you tell people. But I got lucky because I was both home and awake when this happened. Also I heard of someone getting robbed of food as well from another person I used to talk to in Detroit area.

It is safer to live with someone and  sometimes to have good neighbors that will help you or witness something.

My rule for the city life is don't trust anyone, make friends with good neighbors if they can be trusted

Be aware that now people have different ways of robbing someone place, I've even had people enter my 2nd apartment with a key or lock pick leaving no trace behind, except for muddy boot prints on my kitchen floor.

Also I was robbed some of my music CD's by some roofers. That were working on my apartments roof they stole some things I had in storage in my attic at the time

Sometimes an alarm does nothing to help you there are ways people can disable them, and they cost a ton of money. I would try to talk to your landlord as well marvelvscapcom2.

I live in what was the 24th most crime ridden city in the country but now I think it might even be higher.  Most of the crime statistics come from theft.  And the opioid crisis in my city is so crazy.  Everyone is on drugs.  Heroin, pills, meth.  They will steal a pepsi can off your picnic table if they think they can sell it for a dollar. 

This is not the first shady thing to happen to me in my neighborhood.  Actually about the 3rd.  But the other 2 didn't affect me as bad because since I keep to myself and am not a criminal.  I was able to ignore or avoid them.

The 1st incidence was right after I moved into my new home.  Their was an ATF raid in the house next door.  Turns out the punk kid that always gave me dirty looks had murdered like 5 people in gang wars.  So they arrested him. He's doing life without parole.  It was raided 2 times after for cocaine trafficking.   But in fairness the landlord booted the tenants out and actually brought some better people in.  So the neighborhood clean up for a while :)

Second incident was when I was waiting to go out for breakfast with my dad at 4 am.  (He gets out of work at 4 am and we go for breakfast sometimes)   Their was a hooker who came up to me from the corner and asked if I wanted to "party".  I had my dog with me so she left.  I said no.  Later that night, her and her pimp went on to hold some guy at knife point 3 houses down.  Woulda been me if I hadn't said no. 


I have my firearms license due to how bad my area is.  And I protect myself at all times with pepper spray as well. 


It's so scary how horrible people can be.  I have adapted to it but I really should move :(



My neighbors are the ones who probably did it in all honesty.  It was very odd how perfectly it was timed and how they knew nobody was home to do it.  It was daylight and I had my car in the driveway.  Id assume most theives would be scared.  I think it was the neighbor who is on drugs.  But I have no proof. :(



Thank you for the comforting words OldGamerz and BikingJahuty.  I hope I can become less paranoid.  But I am on high alert now. 
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: vivigamer on August 10, 2019, 02:56:49 am
Sorry to hear, I can't imagine how badly I would react to something like this - My place is pretty small to so of valuables to take my Game collectyion would certainly stand out. CCTV is probably a good option and maybe an alarm system set up for the door too - I personally wouldn't resort to guns as a deterrance but then I have vey conflicting thoughts on Americas laws on guns in general.

My area isn't so bad though and I keep my windows covered with a light curtain so nobody can see through, the biggest concern is as I rent the place is when builders or similar work men come in when I'm not around - I rent so the landlord has to do things for the upkeep but I still try be around for whenever that happens. But that is one of the main reasons I take photos of all my new games and post them on here, so I have proof and can keep track of everything.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: oldgamerz on August 10, 2019, 04:58:37 am
My advise for anyone who thinks they have or does have a stalker or someone spying on them. You could try telling the police, but if they cannot help you

than my further advice is, to not to live your life in a routine or schedule all the time unless you need to. In an extreme situation if any who does have a stalker or someone planning on robbing you they will usually pick on a person with a constant typical routine or schedule

Sometimes you gotta think that if you yourself were going to rob, or stalk someone else what would you do? and what time would you attempt to do it? and a baseball bat or even a knife or gun can't save you if the robber has a gun themselves

I will say a prayer for you marvelvscapcom2 but just be careful and please if you have a landlord maybe they can help you?



Thing is 4AM is when most people are in a deep sleep. and just thinking about what I said earlier and the fact that marvelvscapcom2 also was targeted around 4AM makes me believe even more that around 2AM-4AM  is high time for robberies in at least our 2 locations.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: aliensstudios on August 10, 2019, 01:25:13 pm
Very sorry to hear about this. I don't do too much to protect it honestly, I've got a dog and she's pretty aggressive toward unknown strangers and as much as I'd hate to say it she probably would bite somebody if she thought they meant harm to my person or my belongings.
I've also got a few means of self defense in both a small firearm and a 33-inch maple baseball bat from my baseball playing days.
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/fantendo/images/3/3d/0.5.Ness_preparing_to_swing_his_Bat.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/101?cb=20190202024626)
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: tradinggoatgames on August 10, 2019, 02:49:18 pm
You could get a small camera system hooked up to your phone to check on your collection from time to time. Not airtight but gives you a sense of security to check up on anytime you want to. The way i look at it is that the robbers probably dont know much about games too much and i have way too many for them to take any one instance. Dont think they could carry my collection out the door. But yes i get this same feeling of paranoia. We spend so much time looking for and spending money on these games just to have them taken away is not a fun feeling.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: marvelvscapcom2 on August 10, 2019, 03:26:35 pm
You could get a small camera system hooked up to your phone to check on your collection from time to time. Not airtight but gives you a sense of security to check up on anytime you want to. The way i look at it is that the robbers probably dont know much about games too much and i have way too many for them to take any one instance. Dont think they could carry my collection out the door. But yes i get this same feeling of paranoia. We spend so much time looking for and spending money on these games just to have them taken away is not a fun feeling.

It's about the scariest thing I can fathom :(    It's like all your life's work and all the fun and memories. Some even from your childhood being taken by someone.  It's like a feeling of vulnerability that takes a while to go away.  Although today I feel better. 

I was thinking that same way too.  I think they would be more looking for fast snatch and grab things that they can carry and run with really fast for a lot of money.  I assume my Xbox One X and Laptop would have taken a hike very quick. Those are the type of things they eye for.  Cell phones, jewlery (I have none) And probably a few games but maybe not many.  But I think they might not be as interested in carrying a trash bag of 100 old cartridges to sell on ebay lol.  At least I hope not. 


I have been saving up for my first ever lifetime dream vacation to Dallas.  If they had gotten in and stolen my backpack, it contains my collectibles that I intend on getting signed at the convention, my tickets, my money.  It would completely destroy my year. 

So I really have to be thankful their attempt failed and really try to foritfy better :)

 
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: marvelvscapcom2 on August 10, 2019, 03:33:05 pm
Very sorry to hear about this. I don't do too much to protect it honestly, I've got a dog and she's pretty aggressive toward unknown strangers and as much as I'd hate to say it she probably would bite somebody if she thought they meant harm to my person or my belongings.
I've also got a few means of self defense in both a small firearm and a 33-inch maple baseball bat from my baseball playing days.
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/fantendo/images/3/3d/0.5.Ness_preparing_to_swing_his_Bat.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/101?cb=20190202024626)

I think my dog might have been what spooked them away too luckily. I have no other explanation as to why they'd just give up.  Nobody was home.  They had clear easy entrance.  I doubt they'd have change of heart.  I think the dog barked and was attracting attention.  He earns a toy this week :)


I also have a few firearms too. But if i'm not home it's actually a liability because if stolen its a huge amount of paper work and mess and they are so extremely expensive.  I have them very well stored and hidden so it'd be very hard to just stumble upon them unless they were flat out flipping furniture and ransacking but you never know.  It's another scary layer to the whole thing :(. 

I really hope this never happens again.  I will try to live without parnoia, but I can't help but think it was a neighbor.  Someone close.  They knew we all left as a family.  They knew how many people lived in the house and when we'd all be gone to orchestrate it.  I highly doubt a random passerby would try without knowing in the middle of the day. 

I think I know who it was.  He is a shady character.  I will have my eye on him.  I will call the police on him if he enters my property. 
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: tradinggoatgames on August 10, 2019, 05:39:49 pm
I would definitely suspect people around. Especially anybody whos been in your home or is a family friend of knowledge of your posessions. Broad daylight is pretty ballsy for someone who doesnt even know you. Would definitely be suspicious of anyone who isnt family around me.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: haloofthesun on August 10, 2019, 10:03:51 pm
Broad daylight is pretty ballsy for someone who doesnt even know you. Would definitely be suspicious of anyone who isnt family around me.

This is a misconception. Statistically most burglaries occur during the daytime because that's when people tend to not be home. Burglars (usually) don't want to encounter anyone in the home. Their goal is to get in and out as quickly as possible, which is why burglaries also tend to only last a few minutes on average, meaning even though it's daylight and someone saw someone entering your home, the burglar would be long gone before the police arrived.

That being said, it is a good idea to recall who has been in your home and would know of what valuable possessions you do have. Friends and family can be capable of some pretty terrible things that we would rather believe they would never do.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: marvelvscapcom2 on August 10, 2019, 10:05:39 pm
I would definitely suspect people around. Especially anybody whos been in your home or is a family friend of knowledge of your posessions. Broad daylight is pretty ballsy for someone who doesnt even know you. Would definitely be suspicious of anyone who isnt family around me.


I'm pretty positive it was my neighbor, I know the exact one too.  I wish I had proof but I have to install cameras.  I think it was definitely a neighbor too.  They knew my exact schedule and knew the perfect time.  They are damn lucky we didn't come home in time.  And I am lucky too in a way.  I would be in jail right now :(.   
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: oldgamerz on August 10, 2019, 10:08:49 pm
You could get a small camera system hooked up to your phone to check on your collection from time to time. Not airtight but gives you a sense of security to check up on anytime you want to. The way i look at it is that the robbers probably dont know much about games too much and i have way too many for them to take any one instance. Dont think they could carry my collection out the door. But yes i get this same feeling of paranoia. We spend so much time looking for and spending money on these games just to have them taken away is not a fun feeling.


true cameras are a good defense, whats caught on camera can give law enforcement the best evidence needed to catch whoever was even on your property or in your home at the time of the crime. My old landlords did this and were able to return some of my stolen property that the roofers ended up selling at a resale shop just next door to my apartment complex.

no I was not thinking too clearly at the time I should have known the roofers would attempt this ::)


and?
It's not safe to tell people everything. especially where you keep expensive things or money especially when you talk to strangers about things or money online or offline.

Don't tell people on the streets your address, don't give people your real name online especially.

,and don't talk so much to neighbors about how much things you have in your home,
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: marvelvscapcom2 on August 10, 2019, 10:45:19 pm
You could get a small camera system hooked up to your phone to check on your collection from time to time. Not airtight but gives you a sense of security to check up on anytime you want to. The way i look at it is that the robbers probably dont know much about games too much and i have way too many for them to take any one instance. Dont think they could carry my collection out the door. But yes i get this same feeling of paranoia. We spend so much time looking for and spending money on these games just to have them taken away is not a fun feeling.


true cameras are a good defense, whats caught on camera can give law enforcement the best evidence needed to catch whoever was even on your property or in your home at the time of the crime. My old landlords did this and were able to return some of my stolen property that the roofers ended up selling at a resale shop just next door to my apartment complex.

no I was not thinking too clearly at the time I should have known the roofers would attempt this ::)


and?
It's not safe to tell people everything. especially where you keep expensive things or money especially when you talk to strangers about things or money online or offline.

Don't tell people on the streets your address, don't give people your real name online especially.

,and don't talk so much to neighbors about how much things you have in your home,

Yeah, I don't talk to the neighbors too miuch. I loathe most of them. One is pretty cool though and soon I plan on asking him to play back his camera footage from the date and see if he caught anything.  Probably not but it's worth a shot.

I never use my real name except on ebay.  It's kinda scary wondering if an Ebay seller could come by. But it's unlikely i'd assume.

I just purchased 2 beware of dog signs today.  They say something as simple as a beware of dog sign lowers home invasions by like 40 percent.  I know if I was a robber, i'd not mess with homes that had a dog.  I reccomend doing this to anyone, even if you don't have a dog. they have no way of knowing.  :)


Thank you everyone for all the advice and soothing words. 
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: blurks on August 11, 2019, 06:06:19 am
All the best to you. I would be destroyed knowing someone would have been in my apartment during my absence, completely obliterating my feeling of safety and privacy for the next years. I don't even know how I could ever again trust my environment if I had been a victim of a robber.

2 or 3 years ago I installed a safe front door with additional locks for my apartment hoping that it will scare potential burglars off. I have heard from a theory, that burglars spontaneously decide if they try to brake in and only spend around 1-2 minutes until they give up as the danger of being cought increases exponentially with time. I'm hoping my door withstands 2 minutes of asshole treatment.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: oldgamerz on August 11, 2019, 07:57:28 am
Urban Conspiracy that I think I myself have experienced but could be wrong

Check your electric box Marv, there really is nothing you can do now, I would think but sometimes people break into apartments to install hidden parts used to steal your electricity. And make you foot the bill for both you, and them.

 I once had an over 120USD increase in my electric bill when I left my 1st apartment and when I left I shut off everything and still had a ridiculous bill too pay. then in my next apartment someone broke in, and crow bared my new appliance, and painted my electric box shut so not even my landlords could open it up again. The landlords thought it was me that did it and I ended up needing to pay for the damages also. and on that day my kitchen smelled like paint but I was so upset about the new appliance getting crow barred for no apparent reason, I forgot about the paint I smelled on that day.

the only thing to prove the person was their was boot prints, nobody ever believed me either

nothing was stolen both times as far as I could tell
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: doafan on August 11, 2019, 10:34:52 am
Have experienced myself this situation a couple of times, at the worst one the took even the electrical cable after that decided to move from that place, now I keep my most precious titles at a electronic security box, you can mount this beauty into a wall or better into the floor so that way they can't carry it that easy, it's better if you hide this one, mine is covered with boxes and some shoes at the deepest part of one of my closets, since it doesn't use at padlock if they don't have the time or the appropiate tools to open it they definetely will decide to steal something that is not that complicated.

Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: shfan on August 11, 2019, 11:54:24 am
I'm really sorry you had that awful experience, so pleased they didn't get through the third door and that your dog's OK.  :-[
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: 98dgreen on August 11, 2019, 11:33:24 pm
I recommend installing cameras, reinforcing your door to make it harder to kick in, and getting a shotgun, in that order.  Also if you are in the market for a guard dog I recommend the Rhodesian Ridgeback.  They keep the salesman, Jehovahs Witness, Mormons, thieves, etc, from hanging around for more than a few seconds.  Mine barks continuously when a person or another dog gets within 100 feat of the house until she is called off or the disturbance leaves.  If you do plan on letting them into a fenced yard the fence must be at least 8 ft tall as anything less they can jump.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: mark1982 on August 12, 2019, 05:27:33 am
Sorry to hear about that Marvel, it's sad to and upsetting to hear this kind of news :(

I believe Cameras are the way to go, not only does it identify who it is, but also gives authorities the info they need to trace and locate any stolen goods. Luckily my apartment complex has cameras installed in every corner so they can check who comes in the area, access the elevators, food delivery guys. Even caught an elderly guy who always urinated in the stairwell for some reason...

There was also a case in my apartment area where a food delivery guy stole some shoes that were in front of someones door. Cameras caught it all, even showed the guy put the shoes inside the food delivery box! Feel bad for the next customer who orders anything. His mug was put all over social media and he got fired from his job, I don't know if there were any other charges.

So in the end I believe cameras are pretty good and makes thieves think twice now, since they can be caught and ridiculed by social media as well in this day and age.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: blurks on August 12, 2019, 05:48:01 am
I recommend installing cameras, reinforcing your door to make it harder to kick in, and getting a shotgun, in that order.

And how is a weapon ("shotgun") supposed to help when burglars and robbers usually brake in during your absence?
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: wolff242 on August 12, 2019, 08:34:00 am
I recommend installing cameras, reinforcing your door to make it harder to kick in, and getting a shotgun, in that order.

And how is a weapon ("shotgun") supposed to help when burglars and robbers usually brake in during your absence?

Because they often also break in (not brake...) in the middle of the night. Criminals are getting more brazen, having something like a shotgun isn't a bad idea.

To the OP- if your neighbors know you loathe them, they are more likely to look the other way if something is happening to your home. It's always a good idea to play nice with the people you live near.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: 98dgreen on August 12, 2019, 08:36:06 am
I recommend installing cameras, reinforcing your door to make it harder to kick in, and getting a shotgun, in that order.

And how is a weapon ("shotgun") supposed to help when burglars and robbers usually brake in during your absence?
You notice that I listed weapon as the least urgent right?  This was because he may or may not already own one, people can try to rob your place of residence at anytime if they are desperate enough, especially if they are after money for drugs.  From the sounds of it he lives in not the best of areas in which case a shotgun would be the preferable firearm of choice because there is likely heavier gun control and with a shotgun you don't have to worry much about projectiles going through walls.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: blurks on August 12, 2019, 10:44:41 am
Because they often also break in (not brake...) in the middle of the night. Criminals are getting more brazen, having something like a shotgun isn't a bad idea.

I doubt that trying to locate and load the gun while still being sleepy is a helpful solution strategy for any problem. You only pose a threat to yourself.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: alkira on August 12, 2019, 01:32:49 pm
Ah man, that sucks, but I'm happy to hear nothing was taken. When I was in highschool my brother and I had a lot of gaming stuff between us, including a PS2 with at least a dozen games, a DSlite each and maybe a dozen games, etc. After getting more comfortable in what was known as a bad neighbourhood, we invited the local kids over sometimes to play games with us, but at that age we couldn't understand that those kids weren't like us, they'd been trained by older siblings to essentially befriend people and scout their homes for valuables so that thefts can be planned later. Sure enough, when we all routinely went out one time we came back to all of our gaming equipment gone. Clearly the work of idiots, who walked right past laptops and other things worth more than what they chose to take, but they took things they either wanted or knew the value of I guess. Filed a report with the police the same day, including a full inventory. That's the last we heard about that. Didn't associate with any of the neighbours again after that. I suppose the reason I bring that up is because your break-in was obviously targeted. They knew what they were going in for. You can't very well just start keeping your collection a complete secret, because part of the fun of having it is to show it to people who appreciate it, but yeah I guess all you can do is make the room you store your valuables in difficult to breach, and yeah add surveillance. You'd think I'd have learned from my own experience, but I currently have no protection against thieves aside from the standard locks on the doors. But that's partly because surveillance cameras in my case would cost more than the items they're surveying.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: oldgamerz on August 12, 2019, 04:02:40 pm
Because they often also break in (not brake...) in the middle of the night. Criminals are getting more brazen, having something like a shotgun isn't a bad idea.

I doubt that trying to locate and load the gun while still being sleepy is a helpful solution strategy for any problem. You only pose a threat to yourself.


(IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR EVERYONE)

If you killed or injured a person outside of your home like if they started to run and you shot them or even injured them them outside of your home, you can still get charged with some kind of murder. Or severe penalty

But if the worse event comes. from what I heard and understand, only if you injure or kill the person inside your home and if the evidence is proven that the intruder was injured or killed inside of your own home ONLY then it can be considered self defense according to the law.

Don't forget about the danger of the robber if he, or she has a weapon of their own. Some of robbers are either military, former military, police, or even former SWAT. members who break in And can be extremely dangerous and highly trained. If the robber has enough training not even a shotgun can be a safe bet

Sometimes it is safer to let the robber take whatever they want, or be killed. Just look at some store or fast food joints that have been robbed before and how some the employees survived it
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: andydavis on August 12, 2019, 04:05:12 pm
Just read this and I am sorry to hear what happened. As oldgamerz described, there's not really a 100% foolproof solution to preventing theft and housebreaking. The more determined the thieves are, the more likely they will find a way around your security and take whatever what they can and want. My aunt's house was broken into by unknown window-climbing individuals despite being on the fourth floor of an apartment building and having thick cast iron grills installed in front of the windows. Investigators believed that the perpetrators used bolt cutters to silently cut those bars, which is a bit strange considering that bolt cutters of that caliber cannot be obtained here without a permit. 

My motto to protecting myself and my stuff has always been out of sight, out of mind. Normally, I would try to make the place in front of my house look as plain and nondescript as possible, while keeping all the good stuff locked up in generic compartments that look quite decrepit. The only people that I would invite into my house would be people that I have known for a really long time, like relatives and in-laws. For others, like recently met friends, study groups and colleagues, I would normally just agree to meet them outside for activities and tell them that my house has nothing interesting and that I am not going to cook anything.

Do not trust anyone, and never underestimate even the smallest possibilities (aka Murphy's Law). Like you've mentioned, there's a chance the person who did this could be anyone and from anywhere, even eBay of all things. I wouldn't be surprised if this turns out to be the case, since eBay's size/reputation and penchant for lack of accountability make them the ideal platform for scummy people and criminals. Not everybody on eBay is like that of course, but just watch your back when dealing with any e-commerce platforms, and this includes steam and all the other digital distribution platforms out there.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: oldgamerz on August 12, 2019, 04:31:56 pm
Just read this and I am sorry to hear what happened. As oldgamerz described, there's not really a 100% foolproof solution to preventing theft and housebreaking. The more determined the thieves are, the more likely they will find a way around your security and take whatever what they can and want. My aunt's house was broken into by unknown window-climbing individuals despite being on the fourth floor of an apartment building and having thick cast iron grills installed in front of the windows. Investigators believed that the perpetrators used bolt cutters to silently cut those bars, which is a bit strange considering that bolt cutters of that caliber cannot be obtained here without a permit. 

My motto to protecting myself and my stuff has always been out of sight, out of mind. Normally, I would try to make the place in front of my house look as plain and nondescript as possible, while keeping all the good stuff locked up in generic compartments that look quite decrepit. The only people that I would invite into my house would be people that I have known for a really long time, like relatives and in-laws. For others, like recently met friends, study groups and colleagues, I would normally just agree to meet them outside for activities and tell them that my house has nothing interesting and that I am not going to cook anything.

Do not trust anyone, and never underestimate even the smallest possibilities (aka Murphy's Law). Like you've mentioned, there's a chance the person who did this could be anyone and from anywhere, even eBay of all things. I wouldn't be surprised if this turns out to be the case, since eBay's size/reputation and penchant for lack of accountability make them the ideal platform for scummy people and criminals. Not everybody on eBay is like that of course, but just watch your back when dealing with any e-commerce platforms, and this includes steam and all the other digital distribution platforms out there.

the bold print on Andy's post is how my family has survived so far.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: betelgeuse on August 12, 2019, 08:02:18 pm
The only time our house was broken into, was from the neighbor (about 15 years ago). We use to bbq and hang out with their family. He knew our whole schedule and routine and would do the ole credit card trick to let himself in the back door. Thankfully the only thing we noticed missing were DVD’s. He must have been inside several times before we noticed. We installed a deadbolt and filed a police report. The cops went to his house, but couldn’t find anything on our list (about 40 movies).

I would recommend deadbolts at the very least. Alarms are nice to have, but most won’t dispatch police unless they get your consent. If automatic consent is giving for dispatch, false alarms can become expensive. My dog use to trip the sensor occasionally and my phone would be turned off at movie theaters or out for dinner. A voicemail does absolutely nothing in those cases. I now use cameras for self monitoring along with an alarm system. Like others have said though...if they want to come in, they’re coming in.

Hope it doesn’t happen again.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: wartoy on August 12, 2019, 09:42:07 pm
Sorry to hear about your break in at least nothing was stolen.Ive also had my home broken into more than once unfortunately.The first time they didn't take much just smash and grab a few items. But then when they saw what I had in my home they came back a few weeks later.Then again after that so I moved into a new house.It may sound extreme but it was my only option.I bought better locks and doors (didn't work) I had a house alarm (didn't work) police were little help buy the time they show up it's over. Best thing to do is keep your collection private very few people know about my hobby let alone have seen my collection. Im just lucky it wasn't a easy task to take my collection it would take a group of men and a truck to take it all. Believe me it wasn't any fun moving took me and my two grown sons and a couple of close friends two weekends to move. I was lucky they didn't seem to know the good stuff to take it was all new systems at the time like ps3,xbox 360 and games for those systems.No retro stuff so it was easy to replace.In anycase they didn't have a chance to see your stuff hopefully thay figure it's not worth their time.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: wolff242 on August 12, 2019, 09:53:23 pm
Because they often also break in (not brake...) in the middle of the night. Criminals are getting more brazen, having something like a shotgun isn't a bad idea.

I doubt that trying to locate and load the gun while still being sleepy is a helpful solution strategy for any problem. You only pose a threat to yourself.

Hey, if you don't care what someone who breaks into your home may do to you or your family, that's your choice.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: wolff242 on August 12, 2019, 10:00:09 pm
Because they often also break in (not brake...) in the middle of the night. Criminals are getting more brazen, having something like a shotgun isn't a bad idea.

I doubt that trying to locate and load the gun while still being sleepy is a helpful solution strategy for any problem. You only pose a threat to yourself.


(IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR EVERYONE)

If you killed or injured a person outside of your home like if they started to run and you shot them or even injured them them outside of your home, you can still get charged with some kind of murder. Or severe penalty

But if the worse event comes. from what I heard and understand, only if you injure or kill the person inside your home and if the evidence is proven that the intruder was injured or killed inside of your own home ONLY then it can be considered self defense according to the law.

Don't forget about the danger of the robber if he, or she has a weapon of their own. Some of robbers are either military, former military, police, or even former SWAT. members who break in And can be extremely dangerous and highly trained. If the robber has enough training not even a shotgun can be a safe bet

Sometimes it is safer to let the robber take whatever they want, or be killed. Just look at some store or fast food joints that have been robbed before and how some the employees survived it

Good rule of thumb is to not shoot anyone outside anyway. You could hit the house behind etc.

I think a lot of the things mentioned in this theead are the best things you can do. There is no way to make your house 100% break in proof, but making things harder for a potential thief is your best bet. Unless someone knows you have something specific they are going for (like knowing you have a lot of stuff that can be sold quickly and with little questions) most thieves will see you have safeguards and just move on to an easier target. Things like beware of dog signed, or security system signs (Whether you have a sysyem or not) will drive away most casual thieves looking for a quick buck.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: marvelvscapcom2 on August 13, 2019, 12:33:01 am
I recommend installing cameras, reinforcing your door to make it harder to kick in, and getting a shotgun, in that order.  Also if you are in the market for a guard dog I recommend the Rhodesian Ridgeback.  They keep the salesman, Jehovahs Witness, Mormons, thieves, etc, from hanging around for more than a few seconds.  Mine barks continuously when a person or another dog gets within 100 feat of the house until she is called off or the disturbance leaves.  If you do plan on letting them into a fenced yard the fence must be at least 8 ft tall as anything less they can jump.


Camera has been ordered today :).  I ordered one with a IP66 waterproof rating and the selling point for me was that it is completely wireless.  No wires going up around my house and stuff. I am extremely excited about it. It runs off a solar panel that is sold seperately. 2 brackets, solar panel and the camera.  Both on the overhang of the porch.  Directly at the steps going to the door.  If you walk up the steps you will be seen.  Full and clear facial features.  Both having incredible reviews and it gives you up to 7 days of footage in cloud storage :D.  It has night vision, motion detection and it will alarm my phone if someone comes anywhere near the door.  Which is probably worth its cost just for packages lol.  It will be installed in 2 days along with the sign that I ordered that says "Warning, 24/7 camera survielance"  If they break in now and are one of my neighbors they are extremely dumb because i'll know them.    And for now, i'll stay home just in case until I can get her set up.  My brother also gave me a different security camera.  it runs off wires and goes to a monitor.  I will use this for inside the actual house to monitor if anything did actually get in and come up the stairs. 

As for the shotgun, I actually do have one along with a few other guns.  It's a Mossberg 500 tactical. It was bought for the sole purpose of being my home defense gun.

I know people can be scared of guns and it's a very controversial topic, so I won't talk too much about them.  But I definitely would feel very worried in this city without one. And I definitely support them. Many armed break ins and rapes happen in this city.  With a family to protect, I have to be ready for the unexpected.   

Thank you for the suggestions 98dgreen, I do want to look into door jamb armor too.  And to fortify all the doors better.  I wish I had enough money right now to put all metal doors.  I think maybe I should invest to do it.  The metal rear door is almost impossible to get into as it stands. 




Because they often also break in (not brake...) in the middle of the night. Criminals are getting more brazen, having something like a shotgun isn't a bad idea.

I doubt that trying to locate and load the gun while still being sleepy is a helpful solution strategy for any problem. You only pose a threat to yourself.


The gun is kept loaded at all times. A home defense weapon is pointless if it isn't always ready.  The reaction window is very small and the robber isn't going to wait. 

The only way you really pose a threat to yourself with a gun is if you practice extremely poor gun etiquette or are not properly educated in handeling them.  If a robber is armed, he is more of a threat to you than absolutely anything else.

But I understand if you have different feelings towards guns.  I know it's not for everyone and it's ok for us to disagree :).  I hope you have a happy week.



 
I recommend installing cameras, reinforcing your door to make it harder to kick in, and getting a shotgun, in that order.

And how is a weapon ("shotgun") supposed to help when burglars and robbers usually brake in during your absence?

Because they often also break in (not brake...) in the middle of the night. Criminals are getting more brazen, having something like a shotgun isn't a bad idea.

To the OP- if your neighbors know you loathe them, they are more likely to look the other way if something is happening to your home. It's always a good idea to play nice with the people you live near.

They don't know I loathe them yet, I only think it to myself lol.  I never be mean to them or go out of my way to be abrasive.  I just keep to myself.  They think i'm some shy gamer wierdo.  I probably am but I really rather keep to myself in most instances in life.  I don't be snobby, I always say hi and try small talk.  But i'm pretty weary of the stuff the neighbors do.  A lot of narcotic siezes near the house by the FBI and a lot of prostitution.  The city has a opioid crisis and many of the neighbors get desperate for drugs. 

 I have been starting to warm up to one of the neighbors though. He's a old vietnam war veteran.  I'm sure he hates thieves as much as the next.  And recently he came into my driveway and introduced himself.  we talk every day now.  I will try to chalk his mean treatment to a misunderstanding. He has cameras set up.  I should ask him to keep an eye out for me and vice versa.  We seem to be friendly now.  And he has opened up and we talk about cars and lawns and stuff :)

The other neighbors are half on drugs, half loud alcoholics and a ton of hookers. and their is one jacked up woman who punches like Mike Tyson that I try to avoid.  She punched her car door once when arguing with her girlfriend and it left a dent like it was hit with a bat.  I do not want no problems with her when she's mad lol.   But in fairness she has a lot of money, works a lot and doesn't bother anyone aside from her rages outside.  She seems nice.

I think you might be right about getting in the good graces of the few good neighbors so they will keep me in the know about the many bad ones.  I think we should all look out for eachother.  :)



we couldn't understand that those kids weren't like us, they'd been trained by older siblings to essentially befriend people and scout their homes for valuables so that thefts can be planned later. Sure enough, when we all routinely went out one time we came back to all of our gaming equipment gone. Clearly the work of idiots, who walked right past laptops and other things worth more than what they chose to take, but they took things they either wanted or knew the value of I guess. Filed a report with the police the same day, including a full inventory. That's the last we heard about that. 

I'm very sorry that happened to you.  It's so crazy how kids can prey upon the unsuspecting.  Especially as kids they can be very manipulative and decieptful. One time little kids tried stealing my smash bros melee.  They literally thought they had conspired some heist too.  They were silly enough to come up to me and say "Your Smash is missing, what happened to your smash".  I literally said, none of you are leaving until the smash is back where it was.  Because I knew for a fact where the smash always was, and I hadn't played it. They tried lying for a while.  I went back to playing my game.  Then one of them pretend "found it".   Why for the life of me they told me it was missing I will never know.  My collection is to a size even back then where someone could steal any one thing and i'd not notice until later.  But it was funny how kids are trained by their older brothers or even parents to steal.  It's sad that it creates the monster that probably tries kicking our door in at 35. 

Like oldgamerz said, it's essential not to let randoms into the house.  Even if they seem nice.  I didn't learn that until real later on and after that incident.  It's hard sometimes to keep friendly neighbors or friends of the families from coming in. 

I had a long talk with them and tried to teach them to ask nicely before stealing.  But they didn't really listen and kinda made a ass of me.  I was never good with kids lol. 


I wish the police had notified you of the outcome.  Did you ever bump into the kids in the neighborhood again? 

I hope you have had safer times since :)



Thank you everyone for all the suggestions and kind words. It means a lot to me.  I love these forums very much for the community of loving friends we have.  I feel much better and confident handling the situation :)


Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: marvelvscapcom2 on August 13, 2019, 01:06:28 am
Have experienced myself this situation a couple of times, at the worst one the took even the electrical cable after that decided to move from that place, now I keep my most precious titles at a electronic security box, you can mount this beauty into a wall or better into the floor so that way they can't carry it that easy, it's better if you hide this one, mine is covered with boxes and some shoes at the deepest part of one of my closets, since it doesn't use at padlock if they don't have the time or the appropiate tools to open it they definetely will decide to steal something that is not that complicated.


That's a awesome idea :).  Is it like a safe? Or is it more like a hidden lock box?  I have a very small safe that disguises itself as a book on a bookshelf but it can't hold much bigger than some gold coins I have.   It could probably hold a stack of ps1 games or maybe a pop.  But I could use a bigger lockbox to put valuables in when I leave.  Maybe something that can be hidden to look like a piece of furniture or something.  I know some people make couches that turn into a safe but they are very expensive. 




Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: mastodon on August 13, 2019, 01:10:20 am
Hello everyone :(

 
Today I went out to eat with my family and had such a lovely morning with sunny beautiful weather which would sadly end in a bad surprise when we returned.  I went out in my car leaving my house completely unattended as my girlfriend who usually does streaming on the 2nd floor came.  We enjoyed such a lovely evening with my 92 year old great grandmother out of town and my parents. 


When I returned I was greeted with a pretty negative sight that has haunted me and has been one of my worst nightmares since as far as I can remember deciding to hoard valuable things lol.

(https://scontent.fbed1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/67908208_1290489364466220_3864156611350102016_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&_nc_oc=AQlrULwryYjlwlUNa_iQJ7d5LPHb5eiSgsWIcw2VJxnifDek959O6b7fEQlKdWwrVSlXYob2GSA78MLxlJykVWsJ&_nc_ht=scontent.fbed1-1.fna&oh=b5b2e9b5f5b45e24cbcc52095ac465ed&oe=5DEBDD2A)




My bottom landing door was completely caved in. Split up the middle, door frame pounded through and dead bolt snapped. And the 2nd floor door was completely split around the door knob, shreded with a crow bar, hammer dents all over the door knob but not breached luckily.  Somehow they gave up.  My door on the 3rd floor was untouched.

(https://scontent.fbed1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/67748467_403809303581726_13850393356271616_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_oc=AQkZxtB5ENy1ETjW-V6MY9dPHRbNQq5ph87fyKGMRbxzIcfRdJg6wijjjARycpimsN_R_LuzW8BiOphRZA_J_uwM&_nc_ht=scontent.fbed1-2.fna&oh=e0c35df43438bf03d93f906e774e21bc&oe=5DE90537)


I am so lucky that they werent able to steal anything. It's the only silver lining to it all. But I still feel so violated.  It's a horrible dirty feeling to know someone has broken into your home and violated your space and privacy.  I can't describe it.  It's like a feeling of being breached.  I feel like I'm being watched now and have been paranoid every since.


My only idea for why they gave up is my 110 pound labrador.  I assume he heard the noise and barked spooking them off.  He was pretty shooken up when we got back.


This was broad daylight mind you.  :(
 

Tough one for the books.  But this has been a great wakeup call to fortify my home like I always should have with some sort of private security system.   And I can take this as a positive which is my only way of moving on and coping.  I think this was a warning to show me that I need to be less silly with my collection and protect it with a alarm type thing that alerts the police.


Which brings me into the question part of my post. :)


How do you guys protect your home from burglars? 



For the record, I do have means of protecting the house from an intruder if i'm present.


But that only helps when i'm home.  Which in fairness is most of the time.


What i'm really looking for is one of those alarms that work with Alexa that when someone breaks in it sends an Alarm to the police immediately and then you can see who did it and stuff like that and usually the alarm scares them away :)



But for now I am going to buy 2 water proof motion detecting cameras and a sign that says "Trespassers will be shot" and stuff of the sorts :D



Sorry for a negative post everyone but I would really like to here opinions.  Have any of you ever been robbed?  It's so scary  :( :'(

Time to get a big dog.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: marvelvscapcom2 on August 13, 2019, 01:12:34 am
The only time our house was broken into, was from the neighbor (about 15 years ago). We use to bbq and hang out with their family. He knew our whole schedule and routine and would do the ole credit card trick to let himself in the back door. Thankfully the only thing we noticed missing were DVD’s. He must have been inside several times before we noticed. We installed a deadbolt and filed a police report. The cops went to his house, but couldn’t find anything on our list (about 40 movies).

I would recommend deadbolts at the very least. Alarms are nice to have, but most won’t dispatch police unless they get your consent. If automatic consent is giving for dispatch, false alarms can become expensive. My dog use to trip the sensor occasionally and my phone would be turned off at movie theaters or out for dinner. A voicemail does absolutely nothing in those cases. I now use cameras for self monitoring along with an alarm system. Like others have said though...if they want to come in, they’re coming in.

Hope it doesn’t happen again.

Thank you betelguese.  I really hope it doesn't happen again too. I have had a sense of paranoia ever since but am starting to get a better grasp on it.  I don't know if i'm over reacting or just being safer. But my dad says that the likelihood of the person coming back after failing the 1st time is slim to none because they will be scared we are on high alert from the last time.  And he thinks it was someone close by and not a random.  I hope he's right.

 
I probably won't wire it to alarm the police after all, because like you said. only because of my dog and the mail man will set it off and alarm them.  I have a lot of people who walk by the camera too just because the sidewalk is pretty close. 
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: marvelvscapcom2 on August 13, 2019, 01:14:24 am
Hello everyone :(

 
Today I went out to eat with my family and had such a lovely morning with sunny beautiful weather which would sadly end in a bad surprise when we returned.  I went out in my car leaving my house completely unattended as my girlfriend who usually does streaming on the 2nd floor came.  We enjoyed such a lovely evening with my 92 year old great grandmother out of town and my parents. 


When I returned I was greeted with a pretty negative sight that has haunted me and has been one of my worst nightmares since as far as I can remember deciding to hoard valuable things lol.

(https://scontent.fbed1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/67908208_1290489364466220_3864156611350102016_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&_nc_oc=AQlrULwryYjlwlUNa_iQJ7d5LPHb5eiSgsWIcw2VJxnifDek959O6b7fEQlKdWwrVSlXYob2GSA78MLxlJykVWsJ&_nc_ht=scontent.fbed1-1.fna&oh=b5b2e9b5f5b45e24cbcc52095ac465ed&oe=5DEBDD2A)




My bottom landing door was completely caved in. Split up the middle, door frame pounded through and dead bolt snapped. And the 2nd floor door was completely split around the door knob, shreded with a crow bar, hammer dents all over the door knob but not breached luckily.  Somehow they gave up.  My door on the 3rd floor was untouched.

(https://scontent.fbed1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/67748467_403809303581726_13850393356271616_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_oc=AQkZxtB5ENy1ETjW-V6MY9dPHRbNQq5ph87fyKGMRbxzIcfRdJg6wijjjARycpimsN_R_LuzW8BiOphRZA_J_uwM&_nc_ht=scontent.fbed1-2.fna&oh=e0c35df43438bf03d93f906e774e21bc&oe=5DE90537)


I am so lucky that they werent able to steal anything. It's the only silver lining to it all. But I still feel so violated.  It's a horrible dirty feeling to know someone has broken into your home and violated your space and privacy.  I can't describe it.  It's like a feeling of being breached.  I feel like I'm being watched now and have been paranoid every since.


My only idea for why they gave up is my 110 pound labrador.  I assume he heard the noise and barked spooking them off.  He was pretty shooken up when we got back.


This was broad daylight mind you.  :(
 

Tough one for the books.  But this has been a great wakeup call to fortify my home like I always should have with some sort of private security system.   And I can take this as a positive which is my only way of moving on and coping.  I think this was a warning to show me that I need to be less silly with my collection and protect it with a alarm type thing that alerts the police.


Which brings me into the question part of my post. :)


How do you guys protect your home from burglars? 



For the record, I do have means of protecting the house from an intruder if i'm present.


But that only helps when i'm home.  Which in fairness is most of the time.


What i'm really looking for is one of those alarms that work with Alexa that when someone breaks in it sends an Alarm to the police immediately and then you can see who did it and stuff like that and usually the alarm scares them away :)



But for now I am going to buy 2 water proof motion detecting cameras and a sign that says "Trespassers will be shot" and stuff of the sorts :D



Sorry for a negative post everyone but I would really like to here opinions.  Have any of you ever been robbed?  It's so scary  :( :'(

Time to get a big dog.


I have a 110 pound Labrador.  I think he's the only thing that made them stop their plan and run.  It seems odd they'd give up with clear access to the house.  I think he must have barked and was going to attract attention to the robbery so they ran.  I am so happy he was there.  He saved the house when all else failed.  They say homes with a big dog are robbed 50 percent less.   I am putting a beware of dog sign outside just so random people know he's in there too lol. 

Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: telly on August 13, 2019, 09:03:40 am
Because they often also break in (not brake...) in the middle of the night. Criminals are getting more brazen, having something like a shotgun isn't a bad idea.

I doubt that trying to locate and load the gun while still being sleepy is a helpful solution strategy for any problem. You only pose a threat to yourself.

Hey, if you don't care what someone who breaks into your home may do to you or your family, that's your choice.

He didn't even say that though   ::)
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: oldgamerz on August 14, 2019, 03:20:34 am
Another great idea that should give us peace of mind when not at home or gone for a few days

One of the most oldest tricks to do is when you're not home, or even sometimes leave for days is is simply leave a light or stereo on so the people outside off your home think that someone is home, or in your house,

OR buy an electric timer. And set some of your lights to turn on automatically  at a certain time of day or night.

This even can work with stereos and televisions.

Timers are cheap I think not sure, but they plug into an electric outlet, and then you simply plug in lights or even stereos and you can even set your stereo to go on and turn off at a certain hour

when you use a timer you make sure the the electronic is in the on position. and then setup the timer to go off at a certain time. if you have it setup properly. Than table lamps and even old stereos if their plugged into the timer can be set to turn on and go off at certain hours.

you might be able to pick up an electric timer at home depot or any kind of hard ware store.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: Warmsignal on August 14, 2019, 11:52:42 pm
Always a good idea to have some home security in place. I stupidly do not, and I've only been lucky because my house is full of things to take. A motion sensing alarm on the door and window is all that you would really need to ward off this kind of crap, but look who's talking?
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: marvelvscapcom2 on August 16, 2019, 05:11:59 pm
NEW NEWS! 

The plot thickens lol. 

Turns out it wasn't a robbery after all.  Which makes so much sense and connects all the dots.

It was the police. :(

They left a voicemail on my phone stating that their was an emergency that alerted a life alert system and they broke in the house.  (Their is a life alert system in the home for when my girlfriends grandmother spends the night.)

It was accidentally triggered somehow, they thought an elderly woman was trapped inside.  So they put the door in.


All the paranoia was for nothing.   ;D


It's kind of a relief but kind of a bad thing too. 

Good - Robbers aren't casing my house for robberies and my neighbors can be trusted again.
Bad- I just spent 110 dollars on a camera I didn't need. And lived in Parnoia for a week over nothing lol. 

Conclusion - Check your voicemails. 

I don't check because it's always the doctors office wanting money that I don't owe or telemarkerters. 


Thank you everyone.  Sorry for the alarm.  I wish I would have known. 
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: betelgeuse on August 16, 2019, 07:11:44 pm
No note left behind or a temporary band-aid for the kicked in door?
At least it explains why nothing was stolen.
Kind of sad that not one person who lives around you asked anything.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: marvelvscapcom2 on August 16, 2019, 07:41:39 pm
No note left behind or a temporary band-aid for the kicked in door?
At least it explains why nothing was stolen.
Kind of sad that not one person who lives around you asked anything.

I know, it's so bizarre.  They could have at least left a note.  And why on earth am I held to fixing a 600 dollar door and door frame over the city police's actions lol.   Of course i'd never win a suit. 

I just am so confused by all of this mess. 


The life alert machine was never pressed.  We were out for dinner with her.  Maybe she brushed the necklace button thing?  Phones were turned off because of dinner.  So maybe that's why they had no other choice.  I'm in a way glad it worked but also annoyed.  I since reinforced the door frame but the door looks like shit now.  And has splits.  Now if a real robber comes they'll kick it in easier. 


It explains so much though,  first that they didn't just climb through a window or go through the 1st or 3rd floor. 
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: oldgamerz on August 17, 2019, 08:38:27 am
I don't believe this even happen anymore, because if this really happened to anyone and if anyone really cared about their stuff It they would not be all smiley about it in the first place. I think we were being trolled

nice one I hope you had a good laugh at this prank >:(

You didn't half to make this up for a good thread, the second half of the thread title would have gotten plenty of replies
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: marvelvscapcom2 on August 17, 2019, 01:49:51 pm
I don't believe this even happen anymore, because if this really happened to anyone and if anyone really cared about their stuff It they would not be all smiley about it in the first place. I think we were being trolled

nice one I hope you had a good laugh at this prank >:(

You didn't half to make this up for a good thread, the second half of the thread title would have gotten plenty of replies


Oldgamerz, trust me.  If I wanted to get attention on this page I could. It's the least of my concerns. Believe what you want but don't be an asshole to me.  Because from someone who has constantly been accused of trolling on this page. You should know better.

Firstly, I would never lie about my families safety.  EVER.  I believe in Karma and if you think i'd put negative Karma into the safety of my family, the sanctity of my home and risk my life, you think so low of me that It's pretty offensive. Especially not to impress you.  See this is exactly why I don't bother opening up about my real life to people online. I let out a vulnerable time and get this as a response once things get better.  And it had to be you of all people. 

If I was trolling i'd post about the Donald Trump rally I attended the 15th in New Hampshire. Almost 20,000 people. Knowing how controversial he is.  How about Epstein?  He's probably as controversial as it gets. But what would that gain?  5 minutes of internet fame?  Make everyone mad and fighting.  I keep troll stuff off this page. I don't because I know it can hurt the forums.  I'm not seether.  Anything I post, I believe. Anything I post happened.  Period.  And I actually care.  About so many people on here who wait for the slightest moment for me to slip to scoff at me all the damn time.  And i'm actually for the first time hurt and offended on this forum.  Which doesn't happen often.


Should I take a picture of the life alert machine?

(https://scontent.fbed1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/68278722_626590081197081_6818019321202081792_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&_nc_oc=AQkJMBDRuFGknQj1fug4HHmKAGxhO2GUByMVL1S1X7Fq1HHsoJUxmtEFqimHnqCCgbGZLN8m1M2EVpPnhUIH3kG6&_nc_ht=scontent.fbed1-1.fna&oh=c3385adf8b7eccc2523b356b83011e68&oe=5DD6FC2B)

Or how about the sign that I ordered in light of this event? Because I could barely sleep thinking robbers were going to kick in and hurt my wife. 

(https://scontent.fbed1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/68436857_366255757624847_8923250635722194944_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_oc=AQm0CpsvnbtZiJSaXKEpNIv-wrM3vhAlN_x_8Ki_cHjDFTmqTtIR_7S0LLpPvw-7gNmaFNCe6hc3X3sbCKM9Q0Ya&_nc_ht=scontent.fbed1-2.fna&oh=a05b78a0f7898307276f278bfeb81db1&oe=5DD1B90D)

Or the Camera that I ordered because I was concerned. Came yesterday in it's Amazon Box (I'm probably going to return it now.  Paid 110 dollars just for this thread. Just for oldgamerz. Trolling matters that much to me)

(https://scontent.fbed1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/68686015_3121552138081712_4808400064659587072_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_oc=AQkJKDGXAnf2byKlvWB_gamzlhkBNkyNUmMEk-2UoakkSDVmRaQ-VcigyJTLLnjVSb2O9Z7xNB9_1ppPRZHZDzW3&_nc_ht=scontent.fbed1-2.fna&oh=47443772a4a726e3d28eae59927b66a8&oe=5DDB7DF0)


What an incredible poet I am.  Making shit up as I go.  I should have the Aliens invade in the next chapter.  Turns out it was Aliens who broke in the whole time.


Not like I owe you anything. What proof is their anyway except for common respect for someone.  Trust. Whatever helps you sleep at night.  But please don't ever in your life say that I am lying about weather or not my family is in danger for a rise on the internet.  Because you might as well spit in my face. Please oldgamerz, think before you speak for the love of everything.  You remind me of the Asian girl from orange is the new black.  I know you mean well.  And we've gotten along so far.  I really genuinely like you.   So let's just get back to that and less of the accusations. 




 






 
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: marvelvscapcom2 on August 17, 2019, 02:07:41 pm
I apologize everyone.  I got carried away.  I know you probably didn't mean it oldgamerz. I'm just pretty tired and upset.  I'm sorry for getting mad.  :)



Everyone have a great weekend :D.   
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: oldgamerz on August 17, 2019, 02:24:27 pm
Ok I'm sorry
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: sworddude on August 17, 2019, 08:24:34 pm
it's a good thing nothing got stolen

If i am looking at the pictures of the first post especially the lock it seems really old.

shitty locks are the kind of stuff wich burglars look for.

In my country every new lock doorhinges windows etc are rated and the good ones have quality marks wich are recommended by the police. Those are the kind of locks burglars usually avoid since they are much harder to deal with and delay them by a ton. Only if they have a very good reason they might attempt it since the risk of getting caught is allot bigger. obviously a ton of people just buy normal locks and hinges since they are cheaper and good enough so yea.

Most burglars choose easy targets. rarely does a burglar specificly target a house no matter what unless they have a ton of info on the goods that are inside wich rarely is the case or know when you are on a holiday etc. or if they know you have good stuff even when well protected they will risk it no matter what like in wartoy's case. since in most houses the loot ain't that big and not worth the risk.

if it takes to much effort to get in, there is to much risk for the burglar to get caught. burglars won't even attempt to try than since they can find a more easy target with little risk.

a good lock etc is the first barrier that prevents a burglar from even attempting breaking into the house at all. a security system is usually used when the burglars already got in and most of them are cracked in no time at all. a 2nd barrier so to speak. your door etc is usually already damaged than so having good rated locks and hinges are a solid first investment.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: andydavis on August 17, 2019, 08:34:12 pm
Glad to hear that you've found the answer as to who mysteriously broke into your house. My aunt never did find anything for her case, and pertaining to a recent but different situation, I am still searching for the group of individuals who keyed my car at the shopping mall. I couldn't even claim it under insurance as the cost of damage was assessed to be way below excess which meant that I'd be paying a lot more out of pocket if I had chosen to let the insurance company handle this. No note was left and that deep scratch is still present to this day, as I can't afford to repaint the car/replace the scratched part at the current moment.

It's truly bizarre how the police did not even leave a formal/proper note or tried to call you through an alternative phone number. This is quite unprofessional on their part and I hope things work out for you in this regard. If you have yet to return it, the camera that you've bought is still a great investment and I would recommend using it for its intended purpose just as a precautionary measure.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: Warmsignal on August 17, 2019, 08:58:52 pm
I still never hurts to have some measure of home security. I wouldn't return everything just because it was a false alarm. Everyone can benefit from having alarms, cameras, etc.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: 98dgreen on August 17, 2019, 09:09:56 pm
No note left behind or a temporary band-aid for the kicked in door?
At least it explains why nothing was stolen.
Kind of sad that not one person who lives around you asked anything.

I know, it's so bizarre.  They could have at least left a note.  And why on earth am I held to fixing a 600 dollar door and door frame over the city police's actions lol.   Of course i'd never win a suit. 

I just am so confused by all of this mess. 


The life alert machine was never pressed.  We were out for dinner with her.  Maybe she brushed the necklace button thing?  Phones were turned off because of dinner.  So maybe that's why they had no other choice.  I'm in a way glad it worked but also annoyed.  I since reinforced the door frame but the door looks like shit now.  And has splits.  Now if a real robber comes they'll kick it in easier. 


It explains so much though,  first that they didn't just climb through a window or go through the 1st or 3rd floor.
Don't expect to get reimbursed by the city.  The extra security measures wouldn't hurt anyways.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: blurks on August 20, 2019, 06:22:43 am
How do these security cameras work? Do they store their data on a memory card, so anyone can just take that bugger out with a grin or do they export it into the cloud so that being cought actually means being cought? Although these pesky privacy concerns...
Network cable would be weak too as you just need to follow the cable and take down the server. A well hidden WiFi Server is a bit more tricky to detect.

Hope you find a good use for the camera if you decide to keep it. As the others already stated, it doesn't hurt to have some extra safety gear.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: wolff242 on August 20, 2019, 06:03:35 pm
How do these security cameras work? Do they store their data on a memory card, so anyone can just take that bugger out with a grin or do they export it into the cloud so that being cought actually means being cought? Although these pesky privacy concerns...
Network cable would be weak too as you just need to follow the cable and take down the server. A well hidden WiFi Server is a bit more tricky to detect.

Hope you find a good use for the camera if you decide to keep it. As the others already stated, it doesn't hurt to have some extra safety gear.

Sworddude's advice above is the best here.

Blurks- depends. Some feed directly to a PC or something of the like and you record locally.

Some are saved to cloud, some are sent via cloud to a security agency, some stream to your phone.

Wired is easier to take out, but anything before the damage is recorded. Anything sent to the cloud will be there before wifi is cut out. Honestly, they could use a signal jammer if they knew you had wifi….but does that REALLY ever happen??. Most of the time it's a petty crook or addict looking for the quickest, easiest score possible. If 007 wants your stuff, you are SOL. Even a non functioning security camera can be a deterrent.

As with others, glad to hear it wasn't thieves.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: wolff242 on August 20, 2019, 06:13:14 pm
Sorry, meant to edit my post and quoted it instead. delete delete delete.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: shfan on August 25, 2019, 07:18:35 pm
Bad- I just spent 110 dollars on a camera I didn't need. And lived in Parnoia for a week over nothing lol. 

I believe quite the opposite, since you've mentally 'gone there', failing to act on it would just have been a constant gnawing on your back-brain. You can shore up your home security and move on from it now.
Title: Re: My house got broken into today. (How do you protect your collections?)
Post by: dashv on August 25, 2019, 10:22:28 pm
I primarily use Ring. They have both doorbells and motion sensitive floodlight/camera combos.

I have 3 cameras that cover the entire perimeter of my home in 1080p.you can’t approach my house without being recorded to the cloud and I get notified instantly.

I also made it a point to be on a good first name relationship with my neighbors.

I know them. They know me and I don’t leave town without them knowing. We text each other complete with pictures if we see unexpected activity, deliveries, or “yard workers”.

I am fortunate in that the police for this area have a less than 5 minute response time.

All my immediate neighbors also have NEST or Ring.

So unless you came on foot, chances are, I have your plates and vehicle from multiple angles.

All important documents are in a blast, drop, fire, and water proof safe.

I rarely have any actual cash.

I have some rather unhinged and temperamental pets just aching for an excuse.

I also have other... undocumented motion and touch  activated surprises to await a would be thief.

Lastly, I have my home insurance properly tuned to the value of my possessions.

Nothing is foolproof.