[swimdawg]

Originally Posted by duffysmom

Subject: This email came from a Charlotte neighbor, we need to take pay attention

Some of you probably know that we were robbed on Sunday. Yes it did make the newspaper this morning. The purpose of this email is for information and awareness. We left on Sunday at 8:45 AM for church and returned at 10:15. This time frame is not a routine time that we leave every Sunday. We believe that someone was watching on Yarborough on Sunday and waiting for someone to leave. Many neighbors were outside washing cars and walking, so it was not a quiet time. Somewhere in that time frame, our locked front door was kicked in and the thieves came for money and gold jewelry. Our locked safe was in a closet and was no match for a crowbar or some tool of that nature. All closets were rummaged through. Any gold jewelry is gone as well as some cash we had in the safe. Nothing else of value was taken. The police were here within minutes of our call at 10:21. They brought the K9, questioned neighbors, and fingerprinted (very carefully). They were professional and immediate. Because some neighbors saw things out of the ordinary with a strange car parked on Yarborough, the police have a promising lead. We pray that this will lead to an arrest. Thank heaven for alert neighbors and cameras at the gates.

So this is what we have learned and want to share: Your locked front door will not keep them out. A safe is not “safe” against thieves. Our important papers are going to a safety deposit box. Heirloom jewelry that was in it is irreplaceable and should be at the bank as well. Cash should be kept somewhere one wouldn’t think it would be. Think about an alarm, cameras, motion lights, etc. The police have other suggestions that I won’t put in an email.

Our deepest thank you to those of you who gave statements, helped with the door, sent emails, phoned, gave advice, and just came over to give us hugs. We will be busy with a new door and insurance today and checking all accounts in case numbers were stolen. We will not be victims, and are vowing to keep our neighborhood safe from anyone who wishes to come in and violate what we have worked for years to accomplish. If you walk your dogs or walk just for exercise, please take your camera/phone and snap pictures of any car that seems out of place in your immediate neighborhood. We will be talking to young people that we know don’t live in our immediate area (tell your children and grandchildren that we are overly friendly if we talk to them), and we will be vigilant in helping to protect you. Thieves will know that we are watching EVERYONE and may think twice. Hide your valuables or get them out of the house entirely. Get to know your neighbors, the cars they drive, and WATCH. It can’t happen here or to us, just did.

Good luck!

Thank you, duffysmom, for posting this. My heart goes out to those who had the break in. The advice in the email is excellent.