Sanibel Break in Sunday Jan 12 at 10;00

[Sunshine Mary]

This Morning a Brake in ,In Sanibel on Callahan Dr
at 10:00 the people left to go to Church came back the front
door glass broke ,Safe broken into .
WATCH OUT EVERYONE AND WATCH OUT FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR

[KathieI]

This Morning a Brake in ,In Sanibel on Callahan Dr
at 10:00 the people left to go to Church came back the front
door glass broke ,Safe broken into .
WATCH OUT EVERYONE AND WATCH OUT FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR

I'm so sorry for those folks. Can't even go to church without something happening. Feel like I'm living in the Bronx again??>>>>
These daylight breakins are so surprising, they seem to be not fearful of anything, very brazen. Hope they get these rotten, no good, no-gooders .... :cus:

[Nlnicholson]

This time it's at the Village of Sanibel on Callahan street. Only info I have is that it was done after the couple left this morning around 9 am. Seems front door was kicked in. When they returned they discovered the break in. 4 police cruisers and a dog were at the house around 11 am

[gingersnap]

This Morning a Brake in ,In Sanibel on Callahan Dr
at 10:00 the people left to go to Church came back the front
door glass broke ,Safe broken into .
WATCH OUT EVERYONE AND WATCH OUT FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR

This burgulary was actually in the VILLAGE OF CHARLOTTE.
The home owners were gone only 1 hr and 15 min!
The glass on the door was NOT broken. The door was broken in, probably by the shove of someone's shoulder, which after seeing the door it would be very easy to do. The inside of the door, all around the window, is nothing but white Styrofoam.
Many valuables were taken.
Watch your back because others are watching it too!

[Nlnicholson]

Sorry about that. I live 6 houses up and it becomes Sanibel. No matter what the Village y'all be careful

[Cedwards38]

Wishing everyone in The Villages had a security system.

[gingersnap]

No problem, it is hard to know where the dividing lines are for each village. I only wanted to clarify that it was Charlotte so that the people in Charlotte were on guard. Yes, whatever the village, this is very scary!

[billethkid]

The very light construction of the entry points of our homes is an open invitation.

They all look very nice and any of them can be pushed in with a good heavy shove....like it or not.

If there was a safe...as reported above...how did the bandits know about it? Or did they just find it? In either case the safe was not strong enough and not well hidden enough.

Security cameras are now so inexpensive they can be self installed for many dollars less than what gets stolen. Sign on the door....SMILE YOU ARE ON CAMERA......

[graciegirl]

With a broken into front door in broad daylight? Who was on that street that saw them leave for church, maybe NOT today, but last week? There is someone watching and I just really believe they work for a grass cutter company that is either letting people know or coming back after they observe their habits. Why isn't someone seeing something?


This is so awful that someone has come in here to ruin our paradise. Someone who doesn't want to work like we did to get stuff they want.


I know this. The sheriff will catch them. I also think cameras are the way to go.


P.S. Out of curiosity I looked up Callahan on the Sumterpa.com map. It is a very short street that has it's end very near Morse and the new construction. All of the homes are not much more than one year old, if that tells us anything.


I am sorry for all people who have had this happen. It makes me sad and angry at the same time.

[Nlnicholson]

Yes Graciegirl it is kinda odd they picked that house. They knew the owners would be gone. They were only gone 1 hr & 15 min. To get to the house, you have to go zigzagging down several streets. The intruders knew what they wanted, they apparently knew where it was, and they knew how long they had to acquire it. There are other houses on the street where the owners have been gone for awhile. That house was checked out by the officers and nothing was touched

[BS Beef]

I am sorry for all people who have had this happen. It makes me sad and angry at the same time.

This says it all for me too. And sooooo Frustrating. Greed will get them caught sooner than later. The other concern I have is as brazen as they are doing this in broad daylight you wonder if they won't escalate their crimes as they become emboldened by their "success" aka not getting caught.

[graciegirl]

Yes Graciegirl it is kinda odd they picked that house. They knew the owners would be gone. They were only gone 1 hr & 15 min. To get to the house, you have to go zigzagging down several streets. The intruders knew what they wanted, they apparently knew where it was, and they knew how long they had to acquire it. There are other houses on the street where the owners have been gone for awhile. That house was checked out by the officers and nothing was touched

quoted. My own post; Out of curiosity I looked up Callahan on the Sumterpa.com map. It is a very short street that has it's end very near Morse and the new construction. All of the homes are not much more than one year old, if that tells us anything.




We are being watched. WATCH BACK.

[TVMayor]

The very light construction of the entry points of our homes is an open invitation.

They all look very nice and any of them can be pushed in with a good heavy shove....like it or not.

If there was a safe...as reported above...how did the bandits know about it? Or did they just find it? In either case the safe was not strong enough and not well hidden enough.

Security cameras are now so inexpensive they can be self installed for many dollars less than what gets stolen. Sign on the door....SMILE YOU ARE ON CAMERA......
I am looking for
�If there was a safe...as reported above..�
What post is it in?

[graciegirl]

I am looking for
�If there was a safe...as reported above..�
What post is it in?



First post by OP Sunshine Mary.

[Vladimir]

We live in a great place here in TV but no place is completely devoid of crime - one of my friends still leaves his door unlocked when he ventures out for a while which I would never do. I am originally from NYC and even though I am in this fun retirement community I still try to maintain a cautious mentality. Lets keep our eyes open in our neighborhood since the police can't be everywhere.

[Cobh521]

There is mention of a safe. If I am not mistaken, there were safes in other homes that were broken into. Also these homes appear to be fairly new. Are these owners buying safes from the same place? Just a thought

[hema54]

Have they had conractors in the house doing work lately? Cleaning people? It sounds like it was someone who knew the routine and what was in the house.

[Chazz]

Has this been posted on any news/crime website, yet?

[Bureau007]

If the homes had safes in them were these safes recently purchased and are they from the same store? Maybe the real crook is at the store tipping these crooks off,with the addresses of current purchases of a safe,then they wait to see when you leave and they are sure too find a safe.

[janieb]

I don't know what house on Callahan was broken into but I did go to an open house on that street last week.

[DougB]

We live in a great place here in TV but no place is completely devoid of crime - one of my friends still leaves his door unlocked when he ventures out for a while which I would never do. I am originally from NYC and even though I am in this fun retirement community I still try to maintain a cautious mentality. Lets keep our eyes open in our neighborhood since the police can't be everywhere.

Guess it doesn't seem to matter if the door is locked.

[Indydealmaker]

Hopefully, the police are looking at residents as suspects also. A daytime breakin on Sunday when work crew presence is minimal may indicate an "inside job". Time to get to "know" your neighbors.

[Nlnicholson]

It's across the street from the one that was an open house showing. Across and 2 houses down

[janieb]

It's across the street from the one that was an open house showing. Across and 2 houses down

glad to hear that, I was hoping it was not because of having an open house.

[TVMayor]

First post by OP Sunshine Mary.
I was trying to answer the question, how would the bad guy know a person had a safe. My theory was if a person advertised on this web site under �Items For Sale in The Villages, Florida� a safe for sale that would indicate they needed a bigger safe and the smaller one they out grew is now for sale. Post #1 says �safe broken into�. The safe ad I was thinking of was small carry out safe not one you would break into at the crime scene.

This break-in accrued on Sunday, I disagree that contractors would be in the area on Sunday. What if the home owner�s garage was full of stuff because of a recent move or his garage is full of golf carts, boats and motorcycles and he parks his car in the driveway? The absence of the car in the driveway would be an indication one person was not at home and on Sunday morning if he is gone she is to, at church.
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQe3wXayqioH8JXiYLiPL3e8WNpD_1aa mTvHylObRcAtJKUIXoVEQ

[renielarson]

We never had this problem before. Why now?

[CFrance]

Most contractors or grass cutters don't work on Sunday. How did they know these people would be gone on Sunday from 9 to 10:15? It seems strange.

[kittygilchrist]

Ok, so what we really think is nothing bad happens here and we don't have to think about it or do anything because we are all really safe mostly, and it's just a little something not that we should be too concerned about when once in a great while a little crime happens and we really don't need to think about it too much.
right? after all, law enforcement will fix everything and we can just go golfing and playing bridge and we don't really need to think about crazed meth and crack addicts or professional hits on our doors....yeah... you know what? I'm not with this at all. I think we have to stand up against evil.

[kittygilchrist]

In view of repeated 4,5,6 numbers of neighbors' home with doors kicked in, I am asking who is against a neighborhood watch for Gilchrist? I am so for having my neighbors and myself on alert for you all, I can't imagine why anyone would oppose having each other watch for suspicious activity.

[handyman]

Inept Sheriff dept. in Sumpter County, his Deputies should be patrolling the neighborhoods within his juristictiction , instead of hiding behind bushes trying to bust ,senior residents flying at a blistering pace of 22 miles an hour in their hotrod golfcarts , WE do pay more taxes then anyone in this county,home invasions are day by day,what is going to be done?

[graciegirl]

Inept Sheriff dept. in Sumpter County, his Deputies should be patrolling the neighborhoods within his juristictiction , instead of hiding behind bushes trying to bust ,senior residents flying at a blistering pace of 22 miles an hour in their hotrod golfcarts , WE do pay more taxes then anyone in this county,home invasions are day by day,what is going to be done?



I disagree. They nabbed the two who broke into the home at Miona Shores very quickly.


Stopping speeding will save lives too.


I also believe the tax base on homes is the same all over Sumter county.

[Bonanza]

It is a documented fact that most break-ins occur during the day. Usually it is service people of one sort or another who do this because they either have some kind of knowledge about the property or have actually been inside.

Security systems make noise, however, between the time the security company calls you and gets no response and gets in touch with the police, the culprets have done the damage, grabbed what they want and are gone before the cops ever get there.

Cameras are good, but don't go for cheap. You get what you pay for and inexpensive ones give you poor results if you are trying to I.D. a person or vehicle.

We all need to be aware and watch out for one another. I will even go as far to say be nosey!

[redwitch]

While a new home is being built, it is not uncommon for the laborers to be working seven days a week, frequently without a supervisor. Also, lawn cutters have been known to work on Saturdays and Sundays if there has been inclement weather during the week. Therefore, it wouldn't be that difficult for a worker to learn a resident's schedule, especially in new developments.

As to comments that the Sumter Sheriff's Office is inept and more interested in ticketing folks, sorry, I totally disagree. I've seen several police cars (both marked and unmarked) patrolling Pinellas and its adjoining streets quite a bit lately. As was said, they can't be everywhere at once. So, we do need to be alert and aware for ourselves and our neighbors.

Also, we have had incidents in the past where homes were broken into. There was the girl on the phone in the front while her cohort was breaking into homes from the back on Stillwater a few years ago. Last year, it was thefts of golf clubs, bikes and tools from open garages. I'm sure there have been other crime "sprees" but those are the two I can think of off the top of my head.

All considered, TV is very safe compared to other towns with a population over 80,000. So, we need to be diligent but I don't think we need to over-react or become paranoid. Here's hoping that no one gets hurt trying to protect their home.

[asianthree]

I disagree. They nabbed the two who broke into the home at Miona Shores very quickly.


Stopping speeding will save lives too.


I also believe the tax base on homes is the same all over Sumter county.

so do we know if the two who were arrested for the miona shores home, worked for lawn or contractors?...i agree with GG this was quick, for an arrest, but for someone to know about a safe, could have been a conversation over heard in a resturant or while out shopping, or did we put the box out to the curb...when you buy objects have the box removed from your home do not put it out to the curb

[PaPaLarry]

Just curious? Was the house closed up? (meaning all blinds down, curtains shut etc) Just trying to get a reason why they chose certain house? Is it good to close everything up, when leaving house? Just looking for suggestions

[gomoho]

Could someone tell me if the safes involved in these crimes are actually taken from the home or broken into and left in the home. If broken into why are they getting into them so easily??? don't think your average criminal can get into a safe that easily.

[Cedwards38]

It is a documented fact that most break-ins occur during the day. Usually it is service people of one sort or another who do this because they either have some kind of knowledge about the property or have actually been inside.

Security systems make noise, however, between the time the security company calls you and gets no response and gets in touch with the police, the culprets have done the damage, grabbed what they want and are gone before the cops ever get there.

Cameras are good, but don't go for cheap. You get what you pay for and inexpensive ones give you poor results if you are trying to I.D. a person or vehicle.

We all need to be aware and watch out for one another. I will even go as far to say be nosey!
The big advantage of the security system is that most burglars with half a brain will not choose a house with a security system because it might draw too much attention to the criminal activity. Why should they take that chance when there are so many homes that don't have a system and would not add that risk?

[MikeV]

The daylight destruction of a front door is possible because many of the designs have hidden entranceways to the front door. It is almost like a hallway to get to the front door. So if you are not directly across the street you are not able to see the front door. This gives the thieves a hidden entrance to break in the door and they only have to worry about being visible for a short period of time.

[Parker]

Inept Sheriff dept. in Sumpter County, his Deputies should be patrolling the neighborhoods within his juristictiction , instead of hiding behind bushes trying to bust ,senior residents flying at a blistering pace of 22 miles an hour in their hotrod golfcarts , WE do pay more taxes then anyone in this county,home invasions are day by day,what is going to be done?


Three cheers for our Sheriff's Office! But they can't be everywhere all the time. Your contemptuous post is unjustified. I am confident they are doing all they can in a professional way.

[NoMoSno]

Could someone tell me if the safes involved in these crimes are actually taken from the home or broken into and left in the home. If broken into why are they getting into them so easily??? don't think your average criminal can get into a safe that easily.

Actually, if you go to YouTube, do a search for "Safe cracking", you will find it very easy to open most safes.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=safe+cracking&sm=12
However most methods will make some noise.

[graciegirl]

Look at this.


3 Ways to Kick Down a Door - wikiHow (http://www.wikihow.com/Kick-Down-a-Door)


It says that if the kicking doesn't work, it shows you where to use a hammer and then a crowbar.


Ain't that just calming to all of us?

[gingersnap]

As to comments that the Sumter Sheriff's Office is inept and more interested in ticketing folks, sorry, I totally disagree. I've seen several police cars (both marked and unmarked) patrolling Pinellas and its adjoining streets quite a bit lately. As was said, they can't be everywhere at once. So, we do need to be alert and aware for ourselves and our neighbors.

I agree with this comment. We have seen a lot of police covering the Pinellas St area lately. They just can't be everywhere and see everything. We need to be on the look-out too. In talking with one of the Sherrif's Deputies at the scene of yesterday's break-in, he told us that there are currently 9 officers "in training" within the Sheriffs Dept. :police: They will be added to the force soon to help keep us safe. His other comment was, "ya'll are growing so fast here in The Villages that we can't keep up with all the new areas." They are really trying to keep us safe and I think we need to give them some credit.

[R2 & T-Rose]

Just curious- if there IS a "pattern" to the break-in's, i.e.; same predators who are targeting their victims, (and likely the police have already asked the victims the same question); but could there be a common link?

Should all the victims get together and discuss whom they may know or whom they may have done business with-that might be a common denominator? Just a thought- in case the chosen victims are not "random"..??

[TVMayor]

Look at this.


3 Ways to Kick Down a Door - wikiHow (http://www.wikihow.com/Kick-Down-a-Door)


It says that if the kicking doesn't work, it shows you where to use a hammer and then a crowbar.


Ain't that just calming to all of us?
Seeing we are holding class for burglars, please do not break in my door use a �Bump Key�.

BUMP KEY IN ACTION - YouTube

[jbdlfan]

I am a bit curious as to whether this is a recent phenomenon or has this happened throughout the building of The Villages? Is this just something about the constructtion areas this time? Seems strange to have an uptick just at this particular time.

[CFrance]

I am a bit curious as to whether this is a recent phenomenon or has this happened throughout the building of The Villages? Is this just something about the constructtion areas this time? Seems strange to have an uptick just at this particular time.

I was wondering too. I don't remember break-ins like these being reported in 2011 when we bought our new home in a new neighborhood. Are they just being better reported now, or are they a recent development?

[birdawg]

Seem's a lot of folks keep blaming construction workers and landscapers, I kind think it's people who don't want to work.

[JE Greenwood]

Inept Sheriff dept. in Sumpter County, his Deputies should be patrolling the neighborhoods within his juristictiction , instead of hiding behind bushes trying to bust ,senior residents flying at a blistering pace of 22 miles an hour in their hotrod golfcarts , WE do pay more taxes then anyone in this county,home invasions are day by day,what is going to be done?

To say the Sheriff's Dept. is inept is way off base; they cannot be everywhere at once.
To say we should have better protection because we pay more taxes is also off base and shows a very elitist attitude. Everyone in Sumter County deserves protection.
We need to be more vigilant as neighbors and call the police when we see or hear anything out of the ordinary.
Starting neighborhood watches are a great idea.

[JE Greenwood]

Three cheers for our Sheriff's Office! But they can't be everywhere all the time. Your contemptuous post is unjustified. I am confident they are doing all they can in a professional way.

Cheers for the Sheriff's Dept!

[Ela48823]

Think twice before putting boxes from that new TV, computer, etc, out for trash/recycling! It advertises where they can get new items!

[tommy steam]

If You See Somthing , Say Somthing.

[graciegirl]

Jewelry stolen in latest burglary in The Villages

January 13, 2014 By Meta Minton (http://www.**************.com/author/meta-minton/) 13 Comments (http://www.**************.com/jewelry-stolen-latest-burglary-villages/#comments)
Jewelry was stolen from a home sometime Sunday morning in the 500 block of Callahan Drive in the Village of Charlotte.
The front door of the home was kicked in sometime while the homeowners were out between 8:45 and 10 a.m., said Lt. Bobby Caruthers of the Sumter County Sheriff�s. The sheriff�s office was contacted at 10:29 a.m. that morning.
It appeared that the burglars also gained access to a safe stored in a spare bedroom closet. It was unclear what was removed from the safe.
This makes nine burglaries which have taken place in roughly the past two months in The Villages.
The burglaries have occurred on the following dates:
� Nov. 3 in the Village of Pinellas at Cedar Grove.
� Nov. 20 in the Village of Sanibel.
� Nov. 21 in the Village of Fernandina.
� Dec. 18 in the Village of Glenbrook.
� Dec. 19, again in the Village of Sanibel.
� Dec. 24 in the Village of Polo Ridge.
� Dec. 26, again in the Village of Fernandina.
� Jan. 3 a lanai screen was cut in a home in Village of Bridgeport at Miona Shores. An arrest in that case was made Friday.
Lt. Nehemiah Wolfe urges Villagers to take advantage of the sheriff�s free home inspection program. Through it, a member of the sheriff�s office will visit a home and provide tips on securing the home. You can schedule an appointment by calling 689-4600.
He added that neighbors looking out for neighbors is also effective.

[Indydealmaker]

Inept Sheriff dept. in Sumpter County, his Deputies should be patrolling the neighborhoods within his juristictiction , instead of hiding behind bushes trying to bust ,senior residents flying at a blistering pace of 22 miles an hour in their hotrod golfcarts , WE do pay more taxes then anyone in this county,home invasions are day by day,what is going to be done?

Most policemen will tell you that the only thing that prevents crime is a deterrent. Patrols will not stop breakins; just make them harder. Police investigate crimes, thus taking the perps off the street, one at a time.

[skip0358]

All I can say is keep your eyes open for strangers and use your head. Not saying this is what happened but. If you ride around on recycle day just look at some of the advertisements people put out front. New TV boxes, new safe boxes, new computer boxes etc. Take the time to break them up, tare them up, turn them inside out or something. don't just show off what you just bought. just like the people who leave their garage doors open and probably leave the golf cart keys in them. golf clubs stolen out of golf carts uptown or wherever. It's an open invitation to a desperate person. JMO

[buggyone]

I think one of the previous posts was excellent.

The sheriff should get all the burglary victims together in a conference room with a chalkboard. The victims would be asked where they shopped before the robbery, services that sent people to their homes, common purchases from common stores. Just find all things that might have a common link and do some Colombo-esque detective work.

This would also allow all the victims to get some closure in talking with the others in a same type of situation - and might resolve any PTSD issues they may have from their experience of having their home violated.

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

The daylight destruction of a front door is possible because many of the designs have hidden entranceways to the front door. It is almost like a hallway to get to the front door. So if you are not directly across the street you are not able to see the front door. This gives the thieves a hidden entrance to break in the door and they only have to worry about being visible for a short period of time.

Great point about the hidden door design. Just wondering, were the homes targeted the same style, or model, cottage or designer or CYV'S? Patio Villas, or were they all different?

[Golfingnut]

Can you shot to kill if they break in if they are unarmed? At our age I am courteous if fear of life requires the one breaking in to be armed to be a life threatening criminal.

[logdog]

Can you shot to kill if they break in if they are unarmed? At our age I am courteous if fear of life requires the one breaking in to be armed to be a life threatening criminal.

Florida's "stand your ground" law permits residents to employ deadly force if they fear imminent danger.

[gomoho]

So do they have matching prints from any of these locations???

[graciegirl]

So do they have matching prints from any of these locations???



Ask Angie Fox. She is the contact person.

[TVMayor]

Jewelry stolen in latest burglary in The Villages

January 13, 2014 By Meta Minton (http://www.**************.com/author/meta-minton/) 13 Comments (http://www.**************.com/jewelry-stolen-latest-burglary-villages/#comments)
Jewelry was stolen from a home sometime Sunday morning in the 500 block of Callahan Drive in the Village of Charlotte.
The front door of the home was kicked in sometime while the homeowners were out between 8:45 and 10 a.m., said Lt. Bobby Caruthers of the Sumter County Sheriff�s. The sheriff�s office was contacted at 10:29 a.m. that morning.
It appeared that the burglars also gained access to a safe stored in a spare bedroom closet. It was unclear what was removed from the safe.
This makes nine burglaries which have taken place in roughly the past two months in The Villages.
The burglaries have occurred on the following dates:
� Nov. 3 in the Village of Pinellas at Cedar Grove.
� Nov. 20 in the Village of Sanibel.
� Nov. 21 in the Village of Fernandina.
� Dec. 18 in the Village of Glenbrook.
� Dec. 19, again in the Village of Sanibel.
� Dec. 24 in the Village of Polo Ridge.
� Dec. 26, again in the Village of Fernandina.
� Jan. 3 a lanai screen was cut in a home in Village of Bridgeport at Miona Shores. An arrest in that case was made Friday.
Lt. Nehemiah Wolfe urges Villagers to take advantage of the sheriff�s free home inspection program. Through it, a member of the sheriff�s office will visit a home and provide tips on securing the home. You can schedule an appointment by calling 689-4600.
He added that neighbors looking out for neighbors is also effective.
How does Met Minton access this information? She makes a phone call, she gets a phone call, the Sheriff sends her an email or does she knows the road to public records thru the net. Answer that question and win a free trip to Brownwood.

[justjim]

It appears 6 in new areas of TV and 3 in "older" Villages---generally speaking this is where the burglaries have recently happen in TV. Just want to remind that there are many hard working good people trying to make a living for their families and we shouldn't "pigeon hole" construction workers as the major suspects in these burglaries. Let the police do their job.

[janmcn]

It appears 6 in new areas of TV and 3 in "older" Villages---generally speaking this is where the burglaries have recently happen in TV. Just want to remind that there are many hard working good people trying to make a living for their families and we shouldn't "pigeon hole" construction workers as the major suspects in these burglaries. Let the police do their job.


There was also a break-in on the historical side around Christmas, as reported in The Villages on-line news.

[R2 & T-Rose]

Another thought, and perhaps this has already been mentioned, is the gate camera's and their timestamps? If the burglaries have been identified as happening in a window of time, I would think this technology could provide some clues at the very least.

[JBarracks]

I heard that a neighbor took a photo with his phone of the vehicle and the police viewed the gate photos and have ID'd the car......that's what I heard 'on the street'. for what it's worth.

[graciegirl]

There was also a break-in on the historical side around Christmas, as reported in The Villages on-line news.


That is correct. Although five have occurred in the Sanibel Charlotte area, possibly by the same perp with the kick in of four front doors, and entry through one back door in Fernandina. One was in Miona Shores, One in Glenview and one in the Historic area and where was the other one? POLO Ridge.


They are going to catch these guys and we somehow are going to help them by being vigilant and reporting anything just a little bit off.


Here it is. NEWS BELOW IS FROM JANUARY 3. Not most recent.
Bridgeport at Miona Shores home burglarized while couple sleeps

January 3, 2014 By Meta Minton (http://www.*******************/author/meta-minton/) 20 Comments (http://www.*******************/sheriffs-office-investigating-rash-villages-break-ins/#comments)
A Village of Bridgeport at Miona Shores home was burglarized early Friday morning as a husband and wife were sleeping in their bedroom.
The wife attempted to wake the husband at 3:37 a.m. thinking she heard a noise, but they went back to sleep. The woman then got up at 4:15 a.m.
She immediately noticed that their dogs, usually secured behind a doggie gate, were roaming about the house, located in the 1100 block of Miona Shores Drive, according to Lt. Bobby Caruthers of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
She and her husband soon discovered that a screen on the lanai had been cut. Entry was gained through a sliding glass door.
Items taken in the break-in included a 50-inch flat screen television, a digital camera and a Macintosh computer, Caruthers said.
This makes eight burglaries which have taken place in the past 60 days in The Villages.
Of the seven burglaries, four included forced entry by kicking in the front door, two gained entry through forcing open a sliding glass door and the final burglary was to an automobile, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
The burglaries have occurred on the following dates:
• Nov. 3 in the Village of Pinellas at Cedar Grove.
• Nov. 20 in the Village of Sanibel.
• Nov. 21 in the Village of Fernandina.
• Dec. 18 in the Village of Glenbrook.
• Dec. 19, again in the Village of Sanibel.
• Dec. 24 in the Village of Polo Ridge.
• Dec. 26, again in the Village of Fernandina.
Villages Homeowners Association Director-at-Large Irv Markely, a resident of the Village of Bridgeport at Miona Shores, has been trying to keep his neighbors aware of such incidents and sent out an email blast to his neighborhood encouraging vigilance.

[kittygilchrist]

"I heard that a neighbor took a photo with his phone of the vehicle and the police viewed the gate photos and have ID'd the car......that's what I heard 'on the street'. for what it's worth."
street is the best news I've heard.

Are we really this wussie to not gather ourselves up against this? I am disappointed with the head in the sand, somebody else's job, let the police, don't panic, etc.

Get up and do something, neighborhood! Let's ride those carts all over, OK? How about committing 1/2 hour a day to riding the hood?

[angiefox10]

"I heard that a neighbor took a photo with his phone of the vehicle and the police viewed the gate photos and have ID'd the car......that's what I heard 'on the street'. for what it's worth."
street is the best news I've heard.

Are we really this wussie to not gather ourselves up against this? I am disappointed with the head in the sand, somebody else's job, let the police, don't panic, etc.

Get up and do something, neighborhood! Let's ride those carts all over, OK? How about committing 1/2 hour a day to riding the hood?

When we were at the Sheriffs office.. The Lt. said this is true. He indicated they knew who was involved in this break in.

[graciegirl]

"I heard that a neighbor took a photo with his phone of the vehicle and the police viewed the gate photos and have ID'd the car......that's what I heard 'on the street'. for what it's worth."
street is the best news I've heard.

Are we really this wussie to not gather ourselves up against this? I am disappointed with the head in the sand, somebody else's job, let the police, don't panic, etc.

Get up and do something, neighborhood! Let's ride those carts all over, OK? How about committing 1/2 hour a day to riding the hood?


I would go to the end of the earth for you tall one, but our hood is really small. And a huge majority is armed.

[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!

[angiefox10]

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 so much for posting this..

I'm so sorry this has happened to these people. I'm with Kitty... I think we should all just take a little extra drive on these wonderful Florida days and let people know we are out there.

[kittygilchrist]

I would go to the end of the earth for you tall one, but our hood is really small. And a huge majority is armed.

Well ok, you can ride 10 minutes, but I was actually thinking that Sanibel and Fernandina are mine to watch along with gilchrist. and lucky you to know who is prepared for a gunfight.

[Lpierleo]

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 so much for posting this and very sorry anyone has to go through this. We certainly will be more observant in the future!

[2BNTV]

I have come several times and found my garage door open. Someone else's garage door opener must be the same, and triggers my garage door. I'm sure glad my next door neighbor, watches everything that goes on around the neighborhood. I feel I have been lucky so far, but I need to remedy this situation. Maybe another garage door opener, on another frequency?

I am fully aware that I must lock the door from the garage to the house, even if I am home, as these thieves are brazen and desparate for money.

I hope they catch these dirt bags.

[shcisamax]

Sent 2BNTV a pm.

[kittygilchrist]

Joe/2b, your remote can be reprogrammed. I have instructions how to do it...
K.

[swimdawg]

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.

[Bogie Shooter]

I think one of the previous posts was excellent.

The sheriff should get all the burglary victims together in a conference room with a chalkboard. The victims would be asked where they shopped before the robbery, services that sent people to their homes, common purchases from common stores. Just find all things that might have a common link and do some Colombo-esque detective work.

This would also allow all the victims to get some closure in talking with the others in a same type of situation - and might resolve any PTSD issues they may have from their experience of having their home violated.

You are assuming that the dectectives working on this have not already explored the common link? Wouldn't be one of the top things they would look for? Give them a little credit!

[Bogie Shooter]

Can you shot to kill if they break in if they are unarmed? At our age I am courteous if fear of life requires the one breaking in to be armed to be a life threatening criminal.

Florida's "stand your ground" law permits residents to employ deadly force if they fear imminent danger.

Killing someone with a phillips screwdriver does make a lot sense..............

[Bogie Shooter]

So do they have matching prints from any of these locations???

Suggest you call the sheriff's department with that question, details of the investigation are not common knowledge on TOTV.

[Bogie Shooter]

How does Met Minton access this information? She makes a phone call, she gets a phone call, the Sheriff sends her an email or does she knows the road to public records thru the net. Answer that question and win a free trip to Brownwood.

She has a lot of experience in this business, so probably knows where to get information. Even a cub reporter on a newspaper knows how this is done.

[Bogie Shooter]

It appears 6 in new areas of TV and 3 in "older" Villages---generally speaking this is where the burglaries have recently happen in TV. Just want to remind that there are many hard working good people trying to make a living for their families and we shouldn't "pigeon hole" construction workers as the major suspects in these burglaries. Let the police do their job.

Or drive around taking pictures and writing down liscense plate numbers of these folks who are just trying to make a living.

[Bogie Shooter]

Another thought, and perhaps this has already been mentioned, is the gate camera's and their timestamps? If the burglaries have been identified as happening in a window of time, I would think this technology could provide some clues at the very least.

Do you also think that the Sheriff's Department also knows about the gate camera's?

[angiefox10]

Do you also think that the Sheriff's Department also knows about the gate camera's?

If you had come to the meeting with us, you would know this.

[angiefox10]

Oh. And the answer is. Yes!

[graciegirl]

Do you also think that the Sheriff's Department also knows about the gate camera's?


Bogie, I understand that you were pointing out this information to us. You are the source of much valid information and you also help in clarifying information on this forum. Sometimes people don't "get" your style.


Thank you for being a person who posts links, challenges misinformation and helps to clarify day after day and year after year on this forum. You are a huge help.

[Moderator]

Please, let's get back on topic and create posts that provide facts, useful information, or pose honest questions.

[kstew43]

when my daughter had someone try to break into her apartment, but since she was home he fled, we saw just how easy it was to push on a door.

We found Door Jam Armor in Lowes. It was $90. You have it installed or just do it yourself, while metal strips go around the door jam, the door it self and around the handle of the doorknob and dead bolt. It included 8 inch screws that went thru the metal plate. It can clearly be seen from the outside warpping round the door knobs. we chose not to paint it the same as the door color so that prowlers will know it is inplace and might move on.

So far, so good. Here at our home, the previous owner was a cop and I suppose knew a little something more than the builder we are the only ones in the neighborhood who has doors that open out. Cannot be pushed in.

So for $90 and some installation time, Armor Jam could be a deterent for the bad guy to move on.

[buzzy]

Joe/2b, your remote can be reprogrammed. I have instructions how to do it...
K.

Kitty, one caution about this, in case you did not know. You must wipe out the current codes in the opener's memory. Then reprogram the remote and have the opener relearn that one. Otherwise the old codes are still valid for opening the door.

[JC and John]

when my daughter had someone try to break into her apartment, but since she was home he fled, we saw just how easy it was to push on a door.

We found Door Jam Armor in Lowes. It was $90. You have it installed or just do it yourself, while metal strips go around the door jam, the door it self and around the handle of the doorknob and dead bolt. It included 8 inch screws that went thru the metal plate. It can clearly be seen from the outside warpping round the door knobs. we chose not to paint it the same as the door color so that prowlers will know it is inplace and might move on.

So far, so good. Here at our home, the previous owner was a cop and I suppose knew a little something more than the builder we are the only ones in the neighborhood who has doors that open out. Cannot be pushed in.

So for $90 and some installation time, Armor Jam could be a deterent for the bad guy to move on.

We looked at the Door Jam Armor at Lowes on route 441 and were ready to buy it but then read on the box that it is not for use on doors with sidelights. So that lets us out. RATS! Thanks for mentioning. Maybe others can use it. Security system going in for us.

[senior citizen]

....................

[Tickled_pink]

You should never put your home address on your navigation GPS in your car because if someone steals your car, all they have to do is press HOME on the navigation which will show them where your home is.........and when they get there, all they have to do is press the garage door opener to have access to your home.

For that reason, HOME should be something like a close by building (like the rec center) but not your real home. It should never take a thief to YOUR REAL HOME. You use this not to get home when you are nearby but to direct you HOME when you are far away in an area you are not familiar with.[/quote]

Good advise, but if someone steals your vehicle, I'm sure they could easily break into a locked glove box where they could find your address from your car registration/insurance cards.

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

I have come several times and found my garage door open. Someone else's garage door opener must be the same, and triggers my garage door. I'm sure glad my next door neighbor, watches everything that goes on around the neighborhood. I feel I have been lucky so far, but I need to remedy this situation. Maybe another garage door opener, on another frequency?

I am fully aware that I must lock the door from the garage to the house, even if I am home, as these thieves are brazen and desparate for money.

I hope they catch these dirt bags.

The builder grade openers are not the best as far as code security. I do know that theives often have transmitters on the same frequency as the openers. They work by scanning code combo possibilities rapidly, until your fixed code is found, which would open your door. I do know that Genie Brand openers are a bit more hi-tech and offer a random code technology, (Intellicode), which the same code is never repeated. I experienced the same problem that you have, but mine was because of illegal activity. I replaced with the Genie brand opener, and never had that problem again. The Genie brands are fair priced, and may be worth while to improve your security. :)


Intellicode� Access Security System

The Intellicode 2 Access Security System provides state-of-the-art security for your home by automatically changing your opener’s access code every time you push the remote control button. This prevents an unauthorized person from stealing the access code to your opener system and gaining entry to your garage.

Here's how it works: Conventional garage door openers are coded to send out the same fixed code time after time. Genie’s superior encryption technology, also known as rolling access codes, uses a proprietary coding system that selects a new code from billions of possible combinations each time the system is activated.