Two more burglaries

[perrjojo]

On Saturday. One in Mallory and the other in Hemingway.. Read the detail on that other villagesnews URL. These thieves are becoming more brazen and will get caught...I hope soon!

[missypie]

If they come into my home it will be their last.

[Wing-nut2]

The homes that are broken into, are there houses behind them, or it it just open fields/areas?

[Abster]

They are able to get in and out in broad daylight. It must be at least two people and they must live within or nearby just because they seem to blend right in.

[renielarson]

We have no houses behind us and believe me when I say we are not only "alarmed" to the hilt but are also "prepared to defend". I pity anyone who tries to break into our home!

[shcisamax]

Prepared to defend only works if you are there when they come. So far, they have only broken in to one home when the people were there.

[JP]

Burglaries are definitely bad but at least we are not saying two more murders!

[OldManTime]

As long as there is no control of contractors, handymen,landscapers and tree trimmers, this will continue to happen. Being there is no security (smoke and mirrors) the bad guys will continue to prey on homeowners that have daily routines. We all must protect our homes, this is no different than living in a wealthy neighborhood in Connecticut, and hoods from NYC burbs on the prowl, they follow the money.

[Barefoot]

They are able to get in and out in broad daylight. It must be at least two people and they must live within or nearby just because they seem to blend right in.

The burglars seem to steal cash and jewelery. $600 cash in one home, $200 cash in another. Almost as if they are targeting certain homes. :confused:

[renielarson]

Prepared to defend only works if you are there when they come. So far, they have only broken in to one home when the people were there.

That is so right. So whether we are home or not, we are protected as much as we can be.

[hollander]

Tons of old folks with bad hearing and fading eyesight, laying in bed with loaded handguns. Ready to fire off a few rounds to get those buggers... Welcome to paradise!

[TNLAKEPANDA]

When we are not home the alarm is on and the dog is home. She is an Alfa Female. All they could steal is a tv or stereo if they got that far. If we are home they will get severely shot under the Castle Doctrine.

[graciegirl]

As long as there is no control of contractors, handymen,landscapers and tree trimmers, this will continue to happen. Being there is no security (smoke and mirrors) the bad guys will continue to prey on homeowners that have daily routines. We all must protect our homes, this is no different than living in a wealthy neighborhood in Connecticut, and hoods from NYC burbs on the prowl, they follow the money.


They have caught five of them since January first.


Not everyone has jewelry and cash in their houses. They must know who does. I think there is a link to a cleaning person or a jeweler or someone with specific information who knows who has jewelry. I don't understand when you say there is no control of contractors, handymen, landscapers and tree trimmers. Controlled how? They have freedom to come and go everywhere. HOW would you have them controlled?


Most of us can look outside and see very few people outside most of the time.... There was the white four door sedan spotted at two burglary sites. I say if you are leaving and you see a car parked that doesn't belong, nearby, go back home.


Also, we are mostly senior citizens who live here. If you see someone who doesn't look like the majority of the population, then be suspicious. Nothing wrong with that.

[CFrance]

What bothers me is that they have stopped kicking in doors and lifting out sliders (we had ours extra-secured months ago) and have started breaking windows.

I just can't imagine why anyone would keep that much cash in their house. Unless they are very elderly and are historically used to dealing on cash-only basis and are afraid of debit and credit cards.

[Bonanza]

I read about Villagers having alarm systems and weapons of many sorts (probably), but I have not heard or read about anyone having quality surveillance cameras.

While that would not stop anyone, it certainly would be a best bet in identifying and finding the criminal(s).

[Golfingnut]

If you really want to catch them, turn off all tour lights, let newspapers pile up in your drive way and put a note on your door saying you will be back next week, then camp out in your house with your little friend in your lap and wait.

On the serious side, I would hope that the law is always looking for a common thread, like stopped paper, stopped mail, curtailed service of any kind, etc. etc..

Also, a simple thing we all can do is snap a picture of any lic plate or stranger and hold till the next day or so. These thieves are visible for a few minutes. When nothing happens, delete.

[rubicon]

All my valuables are stored away from the house. We don't like or need jewelry and cash is always at a minimum. so in effect we are house poor

I do believe burglaries are based on pre-mediated planning/targeting and that they may have had access to homes prior to their invasion

However it is always prudent to remain aware of your surroundings and so ensuring something of a curious nature does not escape you.

Given its environment I doubt contractors, etc have the capability or desire to vet their hires as such. In essence they need bodies to meet their commitments and that is the only source of control which is closed to us. Beside based on previous arrests not all are servicing this community and so while one can speculate it is not fair to indict all of them or pre-judge. Many of the contractors, etc here provide a good product and service to the community and should be respected for doing so

[buggyone]

One of the burglaries took place within a 25 minute span. Needless to say, the homeowner was seen leaving the house. I hope the sheriff checked to see if lawnmowers were nearby or other service providers were in the very nearby area.

Same for the one who was gone for 3 hours.

Why has it not the name of that cleaning company been given who hired that one burglar? A company that does not perform in-depth background checks should be outted.

Once again, if someone had a loaded pistol at their home at the time of a burglary, it would have been in the hands of the burglar.

[casita37]

To those who would shoot a burglar over material things, have you really thought about the consequences? I would not want to open myself to the nightmare my life would then become for months and months and months.....possibly years of legal battles, with the possibility of losing in court....

[Bogie Shooter]

One of the burglaries took place within a 25 minute span. Needless to say, the homeowner was seen leaving the house. I hope the sheriff checked to see if lawnmowers were nearby or other service providers were in the very nearby area.

Same for the one who was gone for 3 hours.

Why has it not the name of that cleaning company been given who hired that one burglar? A company that does not perform in-depth background checks should be outted.

Once again, if someone had a loaded pistol at their home at the time of a burglary, it would have been in the hands of the burglar.

Buggy, in one of the articles on the burglaries, the Sheriffs rep stated the perp got information from a woman working for a cleaning service. Don't see the need to drag the cleaning service thru the mud. ( I don't know the service)

[Bogie Shooter]

To those who would shoot a burglar over material things, have you really thought about the consequences? I would not want to open myself to the nightmare my life would then become for months and months and months.....possibly years of legal battles, with the possibility of losing in court....

:agree:

[buggyone]

I remember a case in Iowa several years ago when a farmer had been burgeled a few times so he set up a shotgun on a tripwire aimed at the front door when he left home. A burglar entered, hit the tripwire, was shot in the stomach, and a long legal case took place. It ended with the farmer being found negligent and having to pay huge damages to the burglar in a civil suit.

[graciegirl]

Buggy, in one of the articles on the burglaries, the Sheriffs rep stated the perp got information from a woman working for a cleaning service. Don't see the need to drag the cleaning service thru the mud. ( I don't know the service)



Many large cleaning service have employees whose history is not known to the owners. If background checks are used then that would add to the cost of the service. That is how things work.


There are several one woman or one man or couple services that have received a lot of good press on this forum.


I would be skeptical and careful if I were hiring a cleaning service now. I never ever thought about all of the times I had unknown folks unsupervised cleaning my carpet in the past. But then, I didn't have jewelry then either. Not a fan.

[CFrance]

We do not have a gun. We do have a large dog. Unfortunately, he is of the "How can I be of service?" variety. However, I do think he would sense if someone approaching the house were up to no good.

And he does like to lounge in the driveway on a line, so people passing through probably know this house has a large dog.

I cannot imagine shooting someone over a burglary. Don't know how I would live with myself if I killed someone who was not out to kill me first.

[billethkid]

a reason they may be breaking windows is they know that an alarmed home can be entered by breaking the glass which does not trigger the sensor in the window.

That is why if you choose to put in a security system be sure to include motion sensors and a glass break sensor in your system.

[buggyone]

a reason they may be breaking windows is they know that an alarmed home can be entered by breaking the glass which does not trigger the sensor in the window.

That is why if you choose to put in a security system be sure to include motion sensors and a glass break sensor in your system.

I would doubt if the burglar crawls through the broken window. They probably reach in and unlock the slider or door. Definitely, do put in the glass break sensors as an extra layer. Motion detectors can be set off by moving shadows or passing lights.

[SanFranDianne]

Also, a simple thing we all can do is snap a picture of any lic plate or stranger and hold till the next day or so. These thieves are visible for a few minutes. When nothing happens, delete.

I have a camera with me at all times. When I/we leave the house, I photograph vehicles (and license plates), as well as people walking/biking that I do not recognize. When nothing happens, I delete after a week.

[TexaninVA]

I remember a case in Iowa several years ago when a farmer had been burgeled a few times so he set up a shotgun on a tripwire aimed at the front door when he left home. A burglar entered, hit the tripwire, was shot in the stomach, and a long legal case took place. It ended with the farmer being found negligent and having to pay huge damages to the burglar in a civil suit.

This is yet another example of how upside down the legal system can be when it comes to common sense. If a criminal enters one's house, and gets shot as a result, that should be the end of it right there ... assuming the intruder is shot in the front vs in the back.

[TexaninVA]

We do not have a gun. ...

I cannot imagine shooting someone over a burglary. Don't know how I would live with myself if I killed someone who was not out to kill me first.

Actually, if you came home and surprised the intruder in your house, he could very well act out of panic and shoot you or your hubby. This almost happened to friends of ours.

Maybe it's my military background ... but if I had to shoot a criminal inside our house for self defense, I would not have a problem with that. It's within the law, and I would be protecting my home and wife.

[TexaninVA]

a reason they may be breaking windows is they know that an alarmed home can be entered by breaking the glass which does not trigger the sensor in the window.

That is why if you choose to put in a security system be sure to include motion sensors and a glass break sensor in your system.

Actually another solution is to get ADT's newer "shock sensors" ... if the glass is banged or shocked (ie does not have to be broken ...someone banging against it is good enough) the alarm will trigger.

[CFrance]

Actually, if you came home and surprised the intruder in your house, he could very well act out of panic and shoot you or your hubby. This almost happened to friends of ours.

Maybe it's my military background ... but if I had to shoot a criminal inside our house for self defense, I would not have a problem with that. It's within the law, and I would be protecting my home and wife.

I agree with your scenario. That's why I said "... out to kill me first." My post was regarding a few who said, in so many words, "Let them come in; I'm sitting here with my loaded gun," as if they would shoot first and ask questions later.

[TexaninVA]

I have a camera with me at all times. When I/we leave the house, I photograph vehicles (and license plates), as well as people walking/biking that I do not recognize. When nothing happens, I delete after a week.

Congrats to you SanFran! This is the single most effective thing that we can each do. I take a similar approach but I keep the photos and info much longer ... disk storage is cheap. :)

Bad guys get nervous when they see that the old folks are actually paying attention. Btw, getting the tag number is crucial. Sheriff can't do much without it to investigate suspicious car.

[kittygilchrist]

I agree with your scenario. That's why I said "... out to kill me first." My post was regarding a few who said, in so many words, "Let them come in; I'm sitting here with my loaded gun," as if they would shoot first and ask questions later.

CF, UR one of my faves...
I've had my door kicked in, not here, elsewhere.
you can't say, "hello, do you just want my stuff or are you going to kill me?"
There is the sound of an explosion at the door....
if you are very close to your weapon and in a back room, you might have a chance to take them down first. I would not ask questions.

I've thought this through KNOWING that had the original door-kicker come into my house (thank God he walked away), I could have killed a 17 year old who thought kicking in a door was a prank. That would not be easy to live with, but that's what I would still do.

[Algebra2]

I am looking for a security company. Who are you using? I have used ADT when I lived up north, but don't know how effective they are in the south.

[billethkid]

I recommend the infra red motion sensors.......they must have a certain amount of body heat/temperature rise along with the movement. These sensors have an advantage over the standard sensors in that one can have a pet of 40 pounds or less roaming the house when the alarm is set and it will not trigger the alarm....40+ pounds or more it goes off every time.

[CFrance]

CF, UR one of my faves...
I've had my door kicked in, not here, elsewhere.
you can't say, "hello, do you just want my stuff or are you going to kill me?"
There is the sound of an explosion at the door....
if you are very close to your weapon and in a back room, you might have a chance to take them down first. I would not ask questions.

I've thought this through KNOWING that had the original door-kicker come into my house (thank God he walked away), I could have killed a 17 year old who thought kicking in a door was a prank. That would not be easy to live with, but that's what I would still do.

I get ya, Kitty. Different reactions for different people.

I think my first thought would be to use the gun to blow out the nearest window and jump through it. Or shoot through the ceiling. But my first reaction to anything that scares me is to get the heck out.

I'm sorry you went through that scare.

[Barefoot]

We do not have a gun. We do have a large dog. (snipped) I cannot imagine shooting someone over a burglary. Don't know how I would live with myself if I killed someone who was not out to kill me first.

We have two dogs, one of them large enough so that most visitors ask cautiously "is he friendly" before they enter our house. CFrance, you might be surprised what Crosby would do if you weren't there and an intruder entered your home. Perhaps I'm naive, but I do believe that a barking dog will act as a deterrent to most intruders.

We don't have a gun. Like you, I cannot imagine shooting someone unless I was convinced that my life was in danger.

[RErmer]

Just my opinion and to keep things in perspective: We moved here from Fort Lauderdale about 2 years ago. At that time in our small neighborhood of a few hundred houses, there were more burglaries in a month than in a year here. Sure I hate it that there are criminals around/in The Villages, but it is so much safer here than so many other places.

[MikeV]

Those of you who post that you do not own a gun are telling the criminals to target your home. I would not shoot at someone who broke into my home but I surely would point a gun at them. I believe most criminals when confronted by an armed person will retreat. That is the purpose of pointing the gun. That said, if a burglar then threatens you or anyone else in your home or is armed (not usually) then you are justified in using a gun for protection. Just remember there are prosecutors out there that would love to put anyone who even threatens someone with a gun in jail just to booster their own career. The Florida legislature is currently debating a new law that would prevent zealous prosecutors from doing that. It's called HB-89 Threat of Force.

[CFrance]

Those of you who post that you do not own a gun are telling the criminals to target your home. I would not shoot at someone who broke into my home but I surely would point a gun at them. I believe most criminals when confronted by an armed person will retreat. That is the purpose of pointing the gun. That said, if a burglar then threatens you or anyone else in your home or is armed (not usually) then you are justified in using a gun for protection. Just remember there are prosecutors out there that would love to put anyone who even threatens someone with a gun in jail just to booster their own career. The Florida legislature is currently debating a new law that would prevent zealous prosecutors from doing that. It's called HB-89 Threat of Force.
These are all good points. I seem to fall on both sides of this gun issue. I hope we posters never have to prove ourselves right or wrong.

[buggyone]

Those of you who post that you do not own a gun are telling the criminals to target your home. I would not shoot at someone who broke into my home but I surely would point a gun at them. I believe most criminals when confronted by an armed person will retreat. That is the purpose of pointing the gun. That said, if a burglar then threatens you or anyone else in your home or is armed (not usually) then you are justified in using a gun for protection. Just remember there are prosecutors out there that would love to put anyone who even threatens someone with a gun in jail just to booster their own career. The Florida legislature is currently debating a new law that would prevent zealous prosecutors from doing that. It's called HB-89 Threat of Force.

A few years ago at Lake Sumter Landing, a man was waiting for a car to back out of a parking space and another car sped into the parking space. The one who was waiting had a concealed pistol with a permit. The two got into a verbal situation and the first guy opens up his jacket and shows the pistol to the second guy. He called 911 and guy 1 ends up in jail on assault with a deadly weapon.

[graciegirl]

The gunners and the non gunners can debate until the cows come home. Both sides are sincere good people and they have reasonable views and adamant opinions.


I was told that the stand your grand law passed here in Florida because so many people would rent cars after arriving on an airplane and the crooks would recognize the rental cars and the fact that you could not carry a fire arm on an airplane and follow those people and target them.


There are good arguments for both sides, and reasons for the abuse of both opinions.


I try to keep an open mind.

[NoMoSno]

A few years ago at Lake Sumter Landing, a man was waiting for a car to back out of a parking space and another car sped into the parking space. The one who was waiting had a concealed pistol with a permit. The two got into a verbal situation and the first guy opens up his jacket and shows the pistol to the second guy. He called 911 and guy 1 ends up in jail on assault with a deadly weapon.

What Mike described was someone in his house attempting to rob him.

What you described is called "brandishing" which is not legal.
He was rightfully charged and lost his permit permanently.

[Bogie Shooter]

But soon in place of brandishing, Florida will have a warning shot. Bullets will be flying everywhere................................

[buggyone]

But soon in place of brandishing, Florida will have a warning shot. Bullets will be flying everywhere................................

When bullets go up in the air, they come down with enough force to kill someone. I wonder how that will go in the debate procedure.

[Bogie Shooter]

When bullets go up in the air, they come down with enough force to kill someone. I wonder how that will go in the debate procedure.

Not a problem according to the folks from Fairfax, VA.

[billethkid]

There is too much hypothesizing and opining about what individuals THINK on the issue.

The subject at hand is self protection IN ONE'S HOME!
First of all know that someone who breaks into your home knowing someone is there is a person to be feared!

All opinions aside until YOU are confronted in such a situation there is no debate.

All the anecdotes are out the window when YOU are the home owner IN the home being violated.
Too many untrained think they need a pistol for home protection. The defense weapon of choice is a shotgun.....like the concept or not. When the perp is breaking into or already in the house.....what a perp will fear and usually flee from is a shotgun.

I can give you first hand experience of such a break in.

Please don't drag the real subject at hand by talking about a friend or family member entering the home!! At 1:30 am, cutting the screen on the window and crow barring the window. What works is announcing one more step and you will shoot them followed by the actuating or sliding the slide on the gun....99% will flee???if they continue then one does what they must do to protect the selves.
If one has the time and the presence of mind you do not have to shoot to kill.

All very east to"debate" until or unless it happens to you.

[rubicon]

There is too much hypothesizing and opining about what individuals THINK on the issue.

The subject at hand is self protection IN ONE'S HOME!
First of all know that someone who breaks into your home knowing someone is there is a person to be feared!

All opinions aside until YOU are confronted in such a situation there is no debate.

All the anecdotes are out the window when YOU are the home owner IN the home being violated.
Too many untrained think they need a pistol for home protection. The defense weapon of choice is a shotgun.....like the concept or not. When the perp is breaking into or already in the house.....what a perp will fear and usually flee from is a shotgun.

I can give you first hand experience of such a break in.

Please don't drag the real subject at hand by talking about a friend or family member entering the home!! At 1:30 am, cutting the screen on the window and crow barring the window. What works is announcing one more step and you will shoot them followed by the actuating or sliding the slide on the gun....99% will flee???if they continue then one does what they must do to protect the selves.
If one has the time and the presence of mind you do not have to shoot to kill.

All very east to"debate" until or unless it happens to you.

btk: spot on

I will say that when we had a seminar sponsored by the --------Police Dept. An officer said if you shoot a burglar before he enters the house be sure to drag through the door before we arrive.

This act of violating one's space is very serious stuff and very personal to many people

[Shimpy]

Those entering your home will go directly to the bedroom.....That is where they will find the cash and jewelry. If you must keep those items in your home then find another room to hide them. Hiding something in your underwear drawer is sure to be found and stolen.

[Tweety Bird]

If they come into my home it will be their last.

You got a gun????

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

a reason they may be breaking windows is they know that an alarmed home can be entered by breaking the glass which does not trigger the sensor in the window.

That is why if you choose to put in a security system be sure to include motion sensors and a glass break sensor in your system.

They do have glass breakage sensors.

[graciegirl]

You got a gun????



Girls! lol

[renielarson]

a reason they may be breaking windows is they know that an alarmed home can be entered by breaking the glass which does not trigger the sensor in the window.

That is why if you choose to put in a security system be sure to include motion sensors and a glass break sensor in your system.

I would doubt if the burglar crawls through the broken window. They probably reach in and unlock the slider or door. Definitely, do put in the glass break sensors as an extra layer. Motion detectors can be set off by moving shadows or passing lights.

Actually another solution is to get ADT's newer "shock sensors" ... if the glass is banged or shocked (ie does not have to be broken ...someone banging against it is good enough) the alarm will trigger.

They do have glass breakage sensors.

We have all these sensors and I feel much safer with them. As for coming face to face with an intruder, Lord forbid that ever happens, we are prepared.

[youngretiree]

Are law enforcement from the different counties trying to find commonalities, such as if you were working in a Dr's office and a couple came in and were still waiting, they wouldn't be getting home anytime soon......

[TexaninVA]

Not a problem according to the folks from Fairfax, VA.

If a person discharges a firearm he "owns the bullet" regardless of where it lands. In other words, if you shoot in self defense but miss the intruder in your home and the bullet pierces your neighbor's home ... you are legally responsible.

Thus, if you own a firearm, my advice is a) get the training b) know how to use your weapon and c) don't use it unless you have no other choice. It also helps to be able to hit what you aim at.

[perrjojo]

Carry a weapon? Buy a security system? I think the best solution is to catch these perps and put them in free housing.

[graciegirl]

Carry a weapon? Buy a security system? I think the best solution is to catch these perps and put them in free housing.








That makes sense to me.

[NJblue]

Those entering your home will go directly to the bedroom.....That is where they will find the cash and jewelry. If you must keep those items in your home then find another room to hide them. Hiding something in your underwear drawer is sure to be found and stolen.

That's one way of dealing with it. However, the opposing view of a friend is: they intentionally leave some inexpensive jewelry and a few hundred dollars in what they hope will be the first place they look. They hope that the crook feels they have all that is to be had from the house and leave. To them, this is preferable to having the crooks ransack their house looking for their hiding place. I tend to agree.

[DougB]

That's one way of dealing with it. However, the opposing view of a friend is: they intentionally leave some inexpensive jewelry and a few hundred dollars in what they hope will be the first place they look. They hope that the crook feels they have all that is to be had from the house and leave. To them, this is preferable to having the crooks ransack their house looking for their hiding place. I tend to agree.

Why not just leave it on the porch with a sign saying "free to a good home"?

[Parker]

Carry a weapon? Buy a security system? I think the best solution is to catch these perps and put them in free housing.


The free housing is full. You could rotate them in, but then others would have to be rotated out, which is probably what happened to these particular burglars in the first place. I vote for putting them in public stocks and let the Villagers have the last say.

[graciegirl]

The free housing is full. You could rotate them in, but then others would have to be rotated out, which is probably what happened to these particular burglars in the first place. I vote for putting them in public stocks and let the Villagers have the last say.


You know, that would be fitting punishment. We could all tell them how if they worked they wouldn't have to figure out how to take other people's stuff and wouldn't have time for their hobbies, like doing drugs. My kids HATED my lectures. Maybe those creeps didn't have a mom to lecture them. We could fill in the blanks.

[Parker]

Ooooooh, lecturing! I like it! I'd go on and on and on. Suitable punishment, as my kids could tell you.

[TexaninVA]

You know, that would be fitting punishment. We could all tell them how if they worked they wouldn't have to figure out how to take other people's stuff and wouldn't have time for their hobbies, like doing drugs. My kids HATED my lectures. Maybe those creeps didn't have a mom to lecture them. We could fill in the blanks.

But, I'm sure by now that your kids have thanked you for the lectures??? Tell us it's so! :)

Mine have kind of hinted at 'thanks Dad", and in their eyes, the perceived wisdom of my lectures seems to be increasing as they get older.

[PennBF]

The ex Gov. of Minnesota had the following sign over the entrance to his ranch:
"WE DON'T CALL 911"..:bigbow:

[TNLAKEPANDA]

I is fairly easy to hook up an IP camera that you can view when way on your phone or iPad. These camera's cost under $100 but without an alarm the would not do much good.
May be the police would get a clear picture of the intruder may be not.

[nitehawk]

I is fairly easy to hook up an IP camera that you can view when way on your phone or iPad. These camera's cost under $100 but without an alarm the would not do much good.
May be the police would get a clear picture of the intruder may be not.

could you give information on where to buy for less then $100

[Shimpy]

That's one way of dealing with it. However, the opposing view of a friend is: they intentionally leave some inexpensive jewelry and a few hundred dollars in what they hope will be the first place they look. They hope that the crook feels they have all that is to be had from the house and leave. To them, this is preferable to having the crooks ransack their house looking for their hiding place. I tend to agree.

I agree. I have a safe that would be hard to steal or open, but would be a hugh waste of time since there is nothing in it of value to them. In my opinion the best bet is to get an alarm system with window sensors. I had one when living in S.Florida but didn't have it monitered. My thought was when the alarm went off the felon would get out asap. Having the alarm company call the police would be a waste of time and a monthly expense.

[Bonanza]

a reason they may be breaking windows is they know that an alarmed home can be entered by breaking the glass which does not trigger the sensor in the window.

That is why if you choose to put in a security system be sure to include motion sensors and a glass break sensor in your system.

Motion detectors do work, but if you have a pet, forget it!

Regarding glass breaking sensor, they can be problematic also.
Years ago we had one.
When the lawn guys did their trimming, the noise would set off the alarm.
There are other sounds that will do the same thing, so just be aware.

[holein10]

Unbeleivable.. thought this to be a place you didnt have to worry about that....

[graciegirl]

I think that the crooks are reading our posts and gloating.

[perrjojo]

I think that the crooks are reading our posts and gloating.
Perhaps they are gloating tonight...but...THEY WILL BE CAUGHT!

[Bogie Shooter]

Unbeleivable.. thought this to be a place you didnt have to worry about that....

Why did you think that?

[buggyone]

Unbeleivable.. thought this to be a place you didnt have to worry about that....

The amount of crime in The Villages is minuscule compared to just about any other town of 100,000 people. Use common sense and precautions and you will not have to worry.

It is a safe and wonderful place to live - with beautiful flowers in the roundabouts!

[CFrance]

The amount of crime in The Villages is minuscule compared to just about any other town of 100,000 people. Use common sense and precautions and you will not have to worry.

It is a safe and wonderful place to live - with beautiful flowers in the roundabouts!
Ha ha! You are cross-referencing threads! Two birds "in" one stone.

[KathieI]

I still feel very safe here in TV, although these break-ins are forcing me to be diligent again as I was in big cities. I'm aware of who's around me and my house, I keep all doors locked all day and the 2 schnauzers don't let anyone within 30 feet of this place without alerting me.

If they are primarily stealing jewelry and money,,, that leaves me out... I don't have either!! ;)

[Shimpy]

On the serious side, I would hope that the law is always looking for a common thread, like stopped paper, stopped mail, curtailed service of any kind, etc. etc..
.

Another dead giveaway is to see a car parked in driveway with a sign that says something on the order of "home sitter". I've always told my wife when I see one that those people are away and have hired a sitter and hope someone canvasing the neighborhood doesn't see it.
I think actually that these robberies are happening to people that are living there but not home. If you are gone for the summer you wouldn't leave cash and jewelry there.

[mixsonci]

Why not just leave it on the porch with a sign saying "free to a good home"?

I love this response.:a040:

[2BNTV]

As long as there is no control of contractors, handymen,landscapers and tree trimmers, this will continue to happen. Being there is no security (smoke and mirrors) the bad guys will continue to prey on homeowners that have daily routines. We all must protect our homes, this is no different than living in a wealthy neighborhood in Connecticut, and hoods from NYC burbs on the prowl, they follow the money.

Being from New York burbs and CT respectively, I must have to respectfully, agree to disagree. The amount of crime here in TV, is nowhere as bad as those two states.

I agree they will follow the money if they are professional but most crimes are not professional in reality. there are a lot of smash and grab, type crimes today.

We must as vigilant as possible to secure are homes from unprofessional thieves. Professional thieves will know how to defeat security systems, and nothing will stop them.

Armed violence is another story. IMHO

[Abster]

To those who would shoot a burglar over material things, have you really thought about the consequences? I would not want to open myself to the nightmare my life would then become for months and months and months.....possibly years of legal battles, with the possibility of losing in court....

The world has changed my dear. If home and someone breaks in, I will shoot. Please read the paper and watch the news. People are killed for a pair of sneakers. I rather take the risk. Losing in court is nothing to you or your loved one losing your life. Exactly why I keep a couple loaded .38s around, learned to shoot and practice shooting.

[Barefoot]

The amount of crime in The Villages is minuscule compared to just about any other town of 100,000 people. Use common sense and precautions and you will not have to worry!

:agree: I would like to think that most of us will be cautious, watch out for each other and use common sense.

IMHO, having loaded guns around could work against you. :eek:

[Bonanza]

Unbeleivable.. thought this to be a place you didnt have to worry about that....

The Villages is a great place to live, but it isn't Emerald City or Oz, you know. :a040::a040:

[graciegirl]

Both suspects are in custody. Both twenty years old. Admitted to another recent burglary.

[NoMoSno]

Looks like not the first time, for this one:

Mugshots Online Derreon Levon Ware | Lady Lake, FL (http://www.mugshotsonline.com/florida/lady-lake/derreon-levon-ware/82694411)


BURGLARY WITH A FIREARM-OCCUPIED DWELLING

[graciegirl]

Home (http://www.mugshotsonline.com/) / Florida (http://www.mugshotsonline.com/florida) / Lake County, FL (http://www.mugshotsonline.com/florida/lake-county) / Lady Lake, FL (http://www.mugshotsonline.com/florida/lady-lake) / Derreon Levon Ware
http://media.mugshotsonline.com/sh_mugshots/82694411.jpg
Remove This Mugshot

InformationNameDerreon Levon WareLocationLady Lake, FLAge18 years Booking Date02-15-2013
Booking ChargesLF BURGLARY WITH A FIREARM-OCCUPIED DWELLINGLF ROBBERY WITH FIREARMTF GRAND THEFT

[graciegirl]

He is one year younger than our grandson, who has worked after school and summers since he was 16, got a full academic scholarship to college.


This person has a beautiful face, obviously is clever enough to plan and pull off these things, and could have been so different.


It fills me with rage that this is happening over and over.

[DougB]

Can't be too clever. Look where he's at now. He should have lied real stiff in the car, police may have thought he was just a mop.

[Barefoot]

There have been previous posts about being suspicious about contractors working in The Villages. While I do believe we all need to be cautious, that has always made me cringe a little bit because I believe that 98% of contractors are very honest.

In this case, according to the online newspaper, a pest control guy was the one who called 911 about the suspicious happenings. YAY for the contractors that help keep our community safe. Now I'll go hide. :throwtomatoes:

[graciegirl]

There have been previous posts about being suspicious about contractors working in The Villages. While I do believe we all need to be cautious, that has always made me cringe a little bit because I believe that 98% of contractors are very honest.

In this case, according to the online newspaper, a pest control guy was the one who called 911 about the suspicious happenings. YAY for the contractors that help keep our community safe. Now I'll go hide. :throwtomatoes:


You are right of course. No reason to hide. Having an unprecedented rise in break in's causes us all to be somewhat nervous. And ready to look around suspiciously at everyone.

[janmcn]

It was reported in a comment at on-line news that there were two break-ins at Bridgeport at Laurel Valley this week, Wed or Thurs. Reportedly, these were two adjoining properties that are owned by the same person, who had just left the day before. Nothing in the news about these home invasions.

[Bogie Shooter]

It was reported in a comment at on-line news that there were two break-ins at Bridgeport at Laurel Valley this week, Wed or Thurs. Reportedly, these were two adjoining properties that are owned by the same person, who had just left the day before. Nothing in the news about these home invasions.

Home invasions?

Home invasion is a term used in the United States to describe illegal and usually forceful entry to an occupied, private dwelling with violent intent to commit a crime against the occupants, such as robbery, assault, rape, murder, or kidnapping.[1][2] In some jurisdictions, there is a defined crime of home invasion; in others, there is no crime defined as home invasion, but events that accompany the invasion are charged as crimes

[TexaninVA]

Home (http://www.mugshotsonline.com/) / Florida (http://www.mugshotsonline.com/florida) / Lake County, FL (http://www.mugshotsonline.com/florida/lake-county) / Lady Lake, FL (http://www.mugshotsonline.com/florida/lady-lake) / Derreon Levon Ware
http://media.mugshotsonline.com/sh_mugshots/82694411.jpg
Remove This Mugshot

InformationNameDerreon Levon WareLocationLady Lake, FLAge18 years Booking Date02-15-2013
Booking ChargesLF BURGLARY WITH A FIREARM-OCCUPIED DWELLINGLF ROBBERY WITH FIREARMTF GRAND THEFT

That's the problem ... some of these 8-balls are no doubt carrying firearms when they break in to your house. At some point, gunshots will go off ... homeowner vs intruder.

The fact they they are so brazen to do this in broad daylight implies one of two things ... maybe both.

1. Very, very stupid

2. On drugs, and very, very desperate.

[TexaninVA]

There have been previous posts about being suspicious about contractors working in The Villages. While I do believe we all need to be cautious, that has always made me cringe a little bit because I believe that 98% of contractors are very honest.

In this case, according to the online newspaper, a pest control guy was the one who called 911 about the suspicious happenings. YAY for the contractors that help keep our community safe. Now I'll go hide. :throwtomatoes:

Agree big time ... the pest control guy gets my vote for alert citizen of the month.

What company does he work for?

How can we donate $5-10 to this good citizen?

[nitehawk]

Agree big time ... the pest control guy gets my vote for alert citizen of the month.

What company does he work for?

How can we donate $5-10 to this good citizen?

maybe it could be called the "CRISPERS AWARD" count me in

[nitehawk]

Maybe Crispers would want to donate $100 gift certificate or maybe the local community patrol would like to donate a gift cert - maybe the Morse family -

[Bogie Shooter]

Some recognition is warranted. Most police authorities have recognition programs in place to acknowledge these type deeds.
Starting a slush fund , to me is not a good idea. Because;
- who controls the fund
- is there a cut off limit
- will every good deed in the future get a $ award
- who decides the next award
etc.

[DougB]

What would Crisper's have to do with this?

[Barefoot]

Agree big time ... the pest control guy gets my vote for alert citizen of the month. What company does he work for?


Perhaps the online newspaper will publish the pest control guy's name and company he works for. A lot of people on this site read the newspaper daily, so hopefully we'll find out that information.

Wouldn't it be a nice gesture if the owner of the company received a lot of notes praising his sharp employee, and thanking him for his involvement in keeping a watchful eye.

[CassieInVa]

If I were this pest control guy, Im not sure I would want my name and place of employment made public. Friends or family of the thieves could seek retaliation. VERY thankful to him though!

[Shimpy]

Perhaps the online newspaper will publish the pest control guy's name and company he works for. A lot of people on this site read the newspaper daily, so hopefully we'll find out that information.



Have you thought that he may NOT want his name publicized? After all these creeps are already out of jail or will be soon by the way our justice system works. He would probably sleep better at night if he wasn't known......I would.

[graciegirl]

Zane Henegar who works for Fertigator was the guy who called the police on the burglars.


I think he is on facebook. There is one a guy with that name who looks like the picture on the zzzzzNEWS and he lives in Lady Lake, from Worthington, Ohio and an Ohio State fan.


Go Bucks.

[perrjojo]

There have been previous posts about being suspicious about contractors working in The Villages. While I do believe we all need to be cautious, that has always made me cringe a little bit because I believe that 98% of contractors are very honest.

In this case, according to the online newspaper, a pest control guy was the one who called 911 about the suspicious happenings. YAY for the contractors that help keep our community safe. Now I'll go hide. :throwtomatoes:
:agree::agree:
Last December we had someone steal packages from front porches that had been delivered by UPS. He was apprehended quickly due to an observant contractor working in the area. You may have heard about the "Bicycle Bandit".

[nitehawk]

Some recognition is warranted. Most police authorities have recognition programs in place to acknowledge these type deeds.
Starting a slush fund , to me is not a good idea. Because;
- who controls the fund
- is there a cut off limit
- will every good deed in the future get a $ award
- who decides the next award
etc.

you do not have to give anything

[perrjojo]

you do not have to give anything
Virtue is it's own reward! :beer3:

[BS Beef]

He is one year younger than our grandson, who has worked after school and summers since he was 16, got a full academic scholarship to college.


This person has a beautiful face, obviously is clever enough to plan and pull off these things, and could have been so different.


It fills me with rage that this is happening over and over.

I agree this is such a waste. He looks so fresh faced and bright. But these are serious crimes he's accused of committing and has committed in the past. I find it very depressing. I certainly don't pretend to have the solution but in my mind there's only 2 ways to handle it. He has to stay locked up for the rest of his natural life or there has to be a realistic way to rehabilitate these folks. I can't quote statistics but I know the recidivism rate is way too high IMHO. I don't live in Shangri La so I get it that you can't make people change if they don't want to. But seems to me it would be nice to offer a way out for those willing to put in the effort. Do I have the answer as to what that would be? No. But I know doing nothing isn't working.

I'd like to add real quick that I read this whole thread and saw opinions and points of view that varied WIDELY, but I didn't see any thing disrespectful or from someone I don't think is a good person and well intentioned. So for that I say well done TOTV'ers. :bowdown::bowdown::bowdown:

[CassieInVa]

I dont think we should be putting this mans name, employer and location up unless he is ok with it? I would hate for those kids to seek revenge. I would be petrified to have my info out there. He may like his privacy.

[Barefoot]

Zane Henegar who works for Fertigator was the guy who called the police on the burglars.

I dont think we should be putting this mans name, employer and location up unless he is ok with it? .

Too late Cassie, the info was released in Post 100. I'm planning to email his boss tomorrow to thank Zane for watching out for us Villagers.

[graciegirl]

His name and his picture were posted on the online news. That is where I saw it. It was already public knowledge.

[KyWoman]

InformationNameDerreon Levon WareLocationLady Lake, FLAge18 years Booking Date02-15-2013
Booking ChargesLF BURGLARY WITH A FIREARM-OCCUPIED DWELLINGLF ROBBERY WITH FIREARMTF GRAND THEFT[/QUOTE]

These charges were in Feb., 2013, yet he is free to rob again in March 2014?? Was he found innocent? Did a slick lawyer get him out? Why was he on the streets to commit more crimes only 13 months later and will he be back in another 13 months to continue on with his chosen career?

[Bogie Shooter]

Quote:




Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Some recognition is warranted. Most police authorities have recognition programs in place to acknowledge these type deeds.
Starting a slush fund , to me is not a good idea. Because;
- who controls the fund
- is there a cut off limit
- will every good deed in the future get a $ award
- who decides the next award
etc.

nitehawk
you do not have to give anything

What kind of $ reward was given to the guy who turned in the "bicycle bandit"?
Where does it start and where does it end?
You are right I don't have to give anything............but that is not the point.

[Barefoot]

Some recognition is warranted. Most police authorities have recognition programs in place to acknowledge these type deeds.
Starting a slush fund , to me is not a good idea.

I think it's appropriate to send an email or call the owner of Fertigator. I plan to let the owner know that we appreciate the fact that his employee is keeping out a watchful eye and cares about our safety and security. Yay Zane Hennegar.

[Bogie Shooter]

I think it's appropriate to send an email or call the owner of Fertigator. I plan to let the owner know that we appreciate the fact that his employee is keeping out a watchful eye and cares about our safety and security. Yay Zane Hennegar.

Now that's a good idea.

[Barefoot]

‘Zane The Pest Control Guy’ key to foiling Village of Amelia burglary

(Copied from the online newspaper)


“Zane The Pest Control Guy“ is being lauded as a hero by residents and law enforcement for placing two 911 calls that foiled a break-in Friday in the Village of Amelia.

Zane Henegar, 21, who works for FertiGator, was spraying a yard on Inner Circle when he spotted a white car that looked out of place.

“They kept cruising by. I knew something wasn’t right,” Henegar said.

He called 911 to report a suspicious vehicle.

“But I kept watching them,” Henegar said.

The white car and its two male occupants zeroed in on a home about 15 houses away from where he was working.

He saw one of the men walking in between two houses.

He called 911 again, this time to report a burglary in progress. He stayed on the line with the dispatcher until Sumter County sheriff’s deputies were on the scene.

They immediately apprehended Jeremy Benjamin, 20, who was in the car.

Derreon Ware, 20, took off on foot across a golf course. Helicopters, K-9 units, Lake County sheriff’s deputies and Lady Lake police officers all converged on the area, joining with Sumter County deputies in setting up a perimeter on Cherry Lake Road on the Lake-Sumter county line.

Ware slipped through, but was apprehended a few hours later at a home outside Leesburg.

The two suspects are now behind bars.

Law enforcement officers said the 911 calls were critical in making the arrests.

Villagers on Saturday were buzzing about “Zane The Pest Control Guy.”

Zane, a native of Ohio, worked all day Saturday at his job with FeriGator.

He is the son of Village of Virginia Trace resident Zina Fenster-Beasley and grandson of Orange Blossom Gardens resident Donna Fenster.

Tom and Jane Hoffman live on Inner Circle and are FertiGator customers. They know Henegar as “Zane the Pest Control Guy.”

They said Saturday they now are seeing him in a whole new light.

“It’s pretty amazing. That’s the way to be on the ball,” Tom Hoffman said.

[quirky3]

If anyone would like to send a note of thanks for Zane's heroics, their email address is Service at fertigator dot com

[CFrance]

It would be easy to buy a gift card and send it to Zane. He may have broken the back of this string of robberies. He's got quite the community spirit for a 21-year-old.

[tippyclubb]

I contacted him on Facebook and have his address if anyone is interested in sending a donation.

I don't want to post his address so PM me if you want it.

[CFrance]

I am. Please send address. This kid needs a reward! I was in Publix today looking at gift cards. I'd much rather send to him directly than through the company he works for.

[nitehawk]

when i get address i too will send gift cert --great idea CFrance---much better then some of the other suggestions --- i think a 21 year old kid could uses the gift cert probably getting very little working for his present employee --- yes maybe it would be good to give something back -- most of us can afford a few dollars to someone who probably save many of us from more heartacke ----






golf is my life -- if i shot one over par --each hole--- i would give up the game

[tippyclubb]

when i get address i too will send gift cert --great idea CFrance---much better then some of the other suggestions --- i think a 21 year old kid could uses the gift cert probably getting very little working for his present employee --- yes maybe it would be good to give something back -- most of us can afford a few dollars to someone who probably save many of us from more heartacke ----






golf is my life -- if i shot one over par --each hole--- i would give up the game


PM me. When I go to your profile page there is nothing that reads send private message on your end.

[thegryffin]

What I can't understand is why the camera system isn't very effective in cases like this. Don't they have photos from street lights and nearest gates that would narrow the field of contractors and vendors around the time of the burglaries?

[Barefoot]

What I can't understand is why the camera system isn't very effective in cases like this. Don't they have photos from street lights and nearest gates that would narrow the field of contractors and vendors around the time of the burglaries?

Photos from street lights? :eek:

[DougB]

What I can't understand is why the camera system isn't very effective in cases like this. Don't they have photos from street lights and nearest gates that would narrow the field of contractors and vendors around the time of the burglaries?

Why would you want to narrow the field of contractors and vendors?

[Barefoot]

Why would you want to narrow the field of contractors and vendors?

I don't think the two men accused in the Amelia burglary were either contractors or vendors. :confused:

[nitehawk]

I contacted him on Facebook and have his address if anyone is interested in sending a donation.

I don't want to post his address so PM me if you want it.

Thank You I have received it already but thanks --gift cert will be sent today --- anonymously -- i dont need no glory - just doing my part to make this a better world

[youngretiree]

I keep asking this - have law enforcement of Community Watch gotten together interviewing the victims to find any commonalities. For example, if someone were to follow someone to a Country Club or doctor's appointment then they could be assured that they wouldn't be back within a half hour. On a lighter note, my little long haired Chihuahua would take out an ankle. He was rejected to be groomed due to snarling at the girl and he almost took out the vet asst. He couldn't even muzzle him after Chico tried to bite him. I got him when he was 10, so I didn't teach him to be a Bad Ass.

[youngretiree]

People from the depression area - I guess they don't totally trust the banks. My Dad had money hid in the strangest places, and he told me ahead. One was under the coffee filters in a canister. One was in a white shoe up in the top of a cabinet. And the final one was in band aid box with a rubber band around it, hidden in the freezer. My daughter who is 34 asked me, "Mama, are you gonna leave me some money in the freezer"? lol

[Shimpy]

I keep asking this - have law enforcement of Community Watch gotten together interviewing the victims to find any commonalities.

There is no "law enforcement of Community Watch" That's up to the county police.

[Bogie Shooter]

I keep asking this - have law enforcement of Community Watch gotten together interviewing the victims to find any commonalities. For example, if someone were to follow someone to a Country Club or doctor's appointment then they could be assured that they wouldn't be back within a half hour. On a lighter note, my little long haired Chihuahua would take out an ankle. He was rejected to be groomed due to snarling at the girl and he almost took out the vet asst. He couldn't even muzzle him after Chico tried to bite him. I got him when he was 10, so I didn't teach him to be a Bad Ass.

I think if you keep asking on TOTV you will only get opinions. If you really , really want to know call the non-emergency phone number for the Sumter County Sheriffs office and Community watch. I'm sure they will be willing to share the full file on all the cases.