Theft Of Suitcases This Morning, 3/22/2011

[jerseyvillager]

In the Poinciana area (Sullivan Villages specifically) one of the neighbors placed her luggage on the curb waiting for the shuttle to the airport. So much for a secure area (dead end street). In the house for a short period to come out and find it gone. We are speculating that since it is trash day someone was combing the area for items that might be of use. Trash is still here so it wasn't picked up by mistake. There are items of value but certain papers/files where in the cases and are of importance. If any one notices a pair of discarded suitcases (large black & gray roll aboard) anywhere around or has seen anything or anyone searching the area please respond to this message. Community watch and Police have been notified. Reward offer.

[jandbrare]

At about 11:30 am this morning, our friend's suitcases were stolen from her driveway when she went into the house to close up. When she returned to the driveway to meet the airport shuttle, her suitcases had been taken.

She lives on Bonham Lane in Sullivan Villas. She had important papers in her carry-on and her jewelry, including her U of Kentucky earrings from college days. She reported the theft to the police, who naturally said, "There's not much we can do."

Be cautious. As unlikely as such events are, especially here in The Villages, it can happen. And, if anyone tries to sell you some UK earrings, please identify them to the police.

[starflyte1]

I really think that someone thought that it was to be thrown away.
Anything decent that is near the trash is usually picked up by trash pickers before the truck comes by. And, possibly someone will realize the error and try to find the owner. May have to post flyers or something, because who (whom?) ever picked it up probably doesn't know where to return it.

[Freeda]

How horrible and sad. Check neighbors around that house to see if anyone has a surveillance camera that might have captured anything helpful; also is there any gated entrance nearby and does it have a surveillance camera that could be checked? - I'm not sure if this is done at the gates or not.

Since so many important and valued belongings were taken, I would also think about putting an ad in the paper offering a reward; just in case 'someone who knows something' bites.

[whartonjelly]

I seem to agree that it was a mistake. surely they will realize this. We always set stuff out my the end of our driveway and people take it. we never have to hall anything away. sometimes they come to the door and ask but usually it is fair game. Hope they are returned. We still live in Indiana.:police:

[jandbrare]

Freeda,

I see you are from Kentucky. One of the most upsetting losses in the stolen suitcases was a pair of UK earrings she had had since a cheerleader at UK.

Jerry

[2BNTV]

I'm sorry to hear of this unfortunate incident. I would never had thought sometime so bad could happen in a short time.

I hope she recovers all of her valuables.

[starflyte1]

There is another post about this. I believe that the trash pickers thought it was for the trash and picked it up before the trash trucks arrived.

That said, if everyone believes that is was a theft, instead of an honest mistake, the pickers will be less apt to return it, being afraid of being accused of theft.

Put out posters, perhaps offering a reward, for the no questions asked return of the suitcases.

I know that almost anything put on the curb is picked up in a short time by someone. Maybe, hopefully, this is the case. A misunderstanding.

[JenAjd]

Yup today was trash-pickup day! I'd call the trash company to inquire if they have them. They may be full of "yuck" but it would be worth getting the important stuff back. THIS really is a terrible thing to happen. I feel so sorry for the lady and the stress of the incident!! But next time we travel it will make us stop and think!!!

[Pturner]

There is another post about this. I believe that the trash pickers thought it was for the trash and picked it up before the trash trucks arrived.

That said, if everyone believes that is was a theft, instead of an honest mistake, the pickers will be less apt to return it, being afraid of being accused of theft.

Put out posters, perhaps offering a reward, for the no questions asked return of the suitcases.

I know that almost anything put on the curb is picked up in a short time by someone. Maybe, hopefully, this is the case. A misunderstanding.

Good points.

Was the airport shuttle picking her up at her driveway?? I didn't think they did that. Was the shuttle there when she came back outside? If so, was the driver new?

I'd also check around with neighbors. It's possible they saw an unfamiliar car or something, but didn't know about the missing suitcase.

I'm very sorry to read this and hope somehow she gets her belongings back.

[Bogie Shooter]

The guys on those garbage truck pick up anything that is at the end of the dirveway....even useable stuff gets tossed in the crusher. Was the suitcase at the end of the driveway??

[dillywho]

How/why would anyone think that they were "junk" or just being tossed simply because of the weight when they picked them up? DUH! Seems like a no-brainer to me.:confused:

[graciegirl]

Jersey. Is it your neighbor?

I only ask because sometimes rumors get started and are passed like wildfire.

Anyway, is this someone YOU know or a neighbor of someone you know?

I hope it was a mistake.

How early was it? The shuttle picks up Sweetie at our home sometime as early as four in the morning.

It doesn't seem probable that someone is going to hang out that early waiting to steal someone's luggage.

I am just trying to find out the exact facts.

Please don't be hurt by these questions.

[Freeda]

Freeda,

I see you are from Kentucky. One of the most upsetting losses in the stolen suitcases was a pair of UK earrings she had had since a cheerleader at UK.

Jerry

Hi, Jerry, yes, I saw that; and Lexington (where Univ of Ky is, for those who don't know) was my hometown; so that made me extra sad for her. Those irreplaceable keepsakes mean so much. I hope that she recovers them.

[bkcunningham1]

P, just answering the part of your question about the shuttle picking you up at your home. No, the shuttle doesn't. BUT, the shuttle service will send a taxi to pick you and your luggage up from your front door. There is no additional charge.

I took the shuttle back to Orlando airport in February and was shocked and awed when I called about the shuttle and was asked if I needed a ride from my house to the shuttle. You just need to request the taxi a day in advance. This life is amazing and wonderful.

[Carla B]

This is very sad. However, I doubt it would be the garbage truck at 11:30 in the morning, unless it was very, very late.

[redwitch]

From my understanding of what was written, it was definitely not the garbage company -- they came after. I'm willing to bet it was someone who drove by, saw a nice suitcase near the trash and thought it was to be thrown away. They, in all innocence (since this is a common practice in TV, picked up the suitcase and went on their merry way. Hopefully, when they open the suitcase, they'll figure out that it was not trash but rather was someone going on a trip and will return it (if not too embarassed). Even so, I would definitely put an ad in the paper and put out flyers offering a small reward and no questions asked so that whoever took it won't be embarassed to bring it back.

I would say the one lesson is never put something close to the curb that isn't okay to pick up, regardless of the day. Many of us are thrilled with the "bargains" we've found on drive-bys. If it is close to the curb, it is assumed that it is there for the taking. That's just the way of things here.

I truly hope your neighbor gets her belongings back.

[JohnN]

Lesson is don't put stuff out on the driveway and leave it.
I hope they find it.

[jandbrare]

P, just answering the part of your question about the shuttle picking you up at your home. No, the shuttle doesn't. BUT, the shuttle service will send a taxi to pick you and your luggage up from your front door. There is no additional charge.

I took the shuttle back to Orlando airport in February and was shocked and awed when I called about the shuttle and was asked if I needed a ride from my house to the shuttle. You just need to request the taxi a day in advance. This life is amazing and wonderful.

Actually, she uses a "private" shuttle service that picks up at the door and drives to the airport, not a taxi to the shuttle stations here in The Villages.

Jerry

[jandbrare]

This is very sad. However, I doubt it would be the garbage truck at 11:30 in the morning, unless it was very, very late.

Was probably earlier, as she called about 11:30 am and she had already called and been interviewed by the police.

Lesson: Be especially careful about what you set on your driveway on garbage day. The scavengers are about and not always honest folk.

[Bogie Shooter]

From my understanding of what was written, it was definitely not the garbage company -- they came after. I'm willing to bet it was someone who drove by, saw a nice suitcase near the trash and thought it was to be thrown away. They, in all innocence (since this is a common practice in TV, picked up the suitcase and went on their merry way. Hopefully, when they open the suitcase, they'll figure out that it was not trash but rather was someone going on a trip and will return it (if not too embarassed). Even so, I would definitely put an ad in the paper and put out flyers offering a small reward and no questions asked so that whoever took it won't be embarassed to bring it back.

I would say the one lesson is never put something close to the curb that isn't okay to pick up, regardless of the day. Many of us are thrilled with the "bargains" we've found on drive-bys. If it is close to the curb, it is assumed that it is there for the taking. That's just the way of things here.

I truly hope your neighbor gets her belongings back.
Not only here......its like that everywhere.

[sandybill2]

We live in Belvedere and the trash pick up has been as late as 11:30 recently ---Also know that there are people who drive by on trash day and take things that they view as non-trash. When we first moved here we put out a grill on trash day that was in the backyard and rusted through and through. Before the trash collectors came, someone stopped and asked if they could take it---he said his "boss" told him if he saw things that might be "good" on trash day to stop and collect if o.k. with owners. He took the grill. We put out bathroom scales a few weeks ago with the trash and they were gone before the trash man came. I hate this happened---could have been a theft--could have been the trash men and could have been those "gleaners" that come through the neighborhoods. I hope she can recover her items--I can't imagine how she must feel --so violated --especially losing those items that cannot be replaced.

[swimdawg]

Actually, she uses a "private" shuttle service that picks up at the door and drives to the airport, not a taxi to the shuttle stations here in The Villages.

Jerry
-----------------
So sorry about the missing luggage. What a nightmare!
Could you kindly give me the name of the private shuttle company? Thanx!

[jerseyvillager]

Gracie - It was my neighbor. Happened about 11:15 am. It was no mistake someone would know suitcases were full and not out for disposal. They were separated from trash pickup.

[graciegirl]

Gracie - It was my neighbor. Happened about 11:15 am. It was no mistake someone would know suitcases were full and not out for disposal. They were separated from trash pickup.

AWFUL! So it was in broad daylight. And Villa streets do not get much drive through traffic either.

[golf2140]

Gracie - It was my neighbor. Happened about 11:15 am. It was no mistake someone would know suitcases were full and not out for disposal. They were separated from trash pickup.

Don't forget that we have a lot of workers in TV. They may drive by at any hour, see something (put out near trash) and pick it up. Just my thought.

[billethkid]

they would not go through an evaluation of is this good or not...are they full or not...or any other decision than hey there is some "stuff" at the curb.

The possible wrong doing would be when they open the suit cases and see the contents, how packed. I say possible because here again, they could simply assume it was stuff being tossed.

When we take our stuff to the Goodwill drop off, everything is all neatly folded and "packed"........

It is sad that it happened, however after the fact, the unfortunate reality is the owner and the "collector" share equal guilt!

btk

[graciegirl]

they would not go through an evaluation of is this good or not...are they full or not...or any other decision than hey there is some "stuff" at the curb.

The possible wrong doing would be when they open the suit cases and see the contents, how packed. I say possible because here again, they could simply assume it was stuff being tossed.

When we take our stuff to the Goodwill drop off, everything is all neatly folded and "packed"........

It is sad that it happened, however after the fact, the unfortunate reality is the owner and the "collector" share equal guilt!

btk

OR...if it was scavengers, perhaps when they DID open it, they forgot where they got it exactly. But then you said there were papers inside....

Gracie, trying to find some good in this.

[skip0358]

Maybe a replay should be done. Place a nice item by the street on the next pickup day and sit in 2 cars in driveways on opposite sides of the house and wait and see. Maybe you'll catch the person. Set a trap catch a mouse.

[Tbugs]

I read the article in the Daily Sun this morning on this loss. It seemed to indicate that the trash pickup very well could have been the culprit. The newspaper article states the suitcaees were on the curb in front of her home at about 11 a.m. before her airport shuttle ride arrived Tuesday afternoon. How long was she planning to leave them outside?

No matter where I was living, would I expect anyone to leave 2 unattended suitcases at the end of your driveway - near the trash - with valuable contents in the suitcases totalling about $5,000. Airlines continually tell us NOT to pack jewelry, or very hard to replace items such as legal files, gifts, and address books in checked suitcases. If the jewelry was in carry-on bag, it should have stayed on the woman's arm instead of being put outside unattended. Personally, I never have heard of carrying a basketball inside of a suitcase, either.

It is too bad this accident happened but a lot of the fault goes to the victim. It will be quite hard for her, I'm sure, to collect from her insurance company.

[starflyte1]

One poster, in this thread or the other thread on this subject, said that the trash was still there. If so, the luggage disappeared before trash pick-up.

[Talk Host]

It's not surprising that the Daily Sun would report this as an accidental pick-up by the garbage men. (that can't be proven one way or the other.) It sounds much better than reporting that there is possibly a thief roaming around the streets.

[Vinny]

I read the article in the Daily Sun this morning on this loss. It seemed to indicate that the trash pickup very well could have been the culprit. The newspaper article states the suitcaees were on the curb in front of her home at about 11 a.m. before her airport shuttle ride arrived Tuesday afternoon. How long was she planning to leave them outside?

No matter where I was living, would I expect anyone to leave 2 unattended suitcases at the end of your driveway - near the trash - with valuable contents in the suitcases totalling about $5,000. Airlines continually tell us NOT to pack jewelry, or very hard to replace items such as legal files, gifts, and address books in checked suitcases. If the jewelry was in carry-on bag, it should have stayed on the woman's arm instead of being put outside unattended. Personally, I never have heard of carrying a basketball inside of a suitcase, either.

It is too bad this accident happened but a lot of the fault goes to the victim. It will be quite hard for her, I'm sure, to collect from her insurance company.

If I left my luggage in my driveway, which I have done all my life while waiting for a car service, I would not expect it to be taken the same way I would not expect my car to be taken parked in my driveway.

Heaven help the person that wakes my dogs up early in the morning picking through my trash. I would assume that a burglar is on my property and react accordingly within the laws covering a man's right to protect his home and property. Unless i see a logo for a trash collection service on their clothes I will assume that they are there to rob my house, garage, etc. and act accordingly.

I just love the blame the victim mentality. That always is the best way to approach crime. :( What is your take on someone who lives on a known fault line that has produced major earthquakes in the past but still refuses to move to another location and then dies because of it? See where your blame the victim logic can lead you?

[redwitch]

Tbugs, having lived in California, I don't get the analogy. I've always thought that people who live directly on a fault line (think Modesto) are complete and total idiots. So, yes, I would blame the victim if they died because they chose to live on a known fault line.

In this case, I do believe the victim has to take some of the responsibility. If the luggage had been left outside by the garage door or the front door, then there would have been no question that it was not trash. However, if left by the end of driveway, it was basically saying it was there for the taking. It really is a common practice in TV to take items left at the end of the driveway -- whether trash day or not. Look back to posts here where people have been told to just leave old TVs, etc. out and they would be gone the next day.

As to your attitude that you would have the right to shoot someone picking through your trash, good luck! I'm not too convinced you would have a leg to stand on a court of law, even in Florida.

[Vinny]

Tbugs, having lived in California, I don't get the analogy. I've always thought that people who live directly on a fault line (think Modesto) are complete and total idiots. So, yes, I would blame the victim if they died because they chose to live on a known fault line.

In this case, I do believe the victim has to take some of the responsibility. If the luggage had been left outside by the garage door or the front door, then there would have been no question that it was not trash. However, if left by the end of driveway, it was basically saying it was there for the taking. It really is a common practice in TV to take items left at the end of the driveway -- whether trash day or not. Look back to posts here where people have been told to just leave old TVs, etc. out and they would be gone the next day.

As to your attitude that you would have the right to shoot someone picking through your trash, good luck! I'm not too convinced you would have a leg to stand on a court of law, even in Florida.
First off you responded to the wrong person. Secondly I was refering to what recently happened in Japan so I guess it is their own fault according to what you said. Thirdly I never said anything about using a gun. As a ccw holder yourself you must know that the Castle Doctrine only applies to someone actually breaking into your house and not merely on your property. I normally like your post but you were wrong on all counts here. chilout

[katezbox]

First off you responded to the wrong person. Secondly I was refering to what recently happened in Japan so I guess it is their own fault according to what you said. Thirdly I never said anything about using a gun. As a ccw holder yourself you must know that the Castle Doctrine only applies to someone actually breaking into your house and not merely on your property. I normally like your post but you were wrong on all counts here. chilout

Vinny,

I think I may have missed a post here - was one removed?

But in all honesty, when I read your post about protecting your property, I inferred the same as Dee - that you would go about protecting yourself from burglars with a weapon.

I don't think we should blame the victim - but neither do I think that we can "blame" someone for our errors in judgment. We put a cup of hot coffee between our legs at the drive thru and when it spills - surprise! - we get burned!! Of course the big surprise was on the American consumer when the person who made a REALLY bad choice sued and won!

[paulandjean]

Just think it was a mistake. Garbage pickers thats all. I have seen suitcases in garbage here before. Just common mistake. I have seen some real nice things thrown out here. They piced it up drove around with it .opened it later thats all. Would you really shoot someone going thru your garbage? Whoa Cowboy//////

[redwitch]

First, my apologies to Tbugs. Don't know why I thought it was his post. And, Vinny, I'd quote your post, but it seems to have disappeared, but your implication certainly made it seem that you would shoot.

There's a huge difference between living directly on a fault line, which is what you said and living on an island. Tsunamis are a risk, so are quakes, but they are not a given. Driving a car is a risk. Jumping off a high cliff to the rocks below is a given. A quake as strong as the one that occurred in the Pacific Ocean (not on Japan itself) is, fortunately, very rare. Japan does not get daily quakes. If you live on an active fault line, you do get daily or almost daily quakes. Look at the stats for the town of Modesto, California, they have periods where they get hourly quakes, albeit small ones most of the time. Sorry, I think you have to be nuts to live directly on a fault line or at the top of an active volcano.

Leaving articles near the curb on trash day is a given that they will be picked up -- either by a gleaner or by the trash people.

[graciegirl]

Last month Sweetie flew back to Ohio for business and had one night to stay in our house, was dropped off by co-workers late and was to be picked up by them early.

At around six in the morning, he put his laptop and carryon on the sidewalk in front of our home and went back in to turn on security and check locks. He returned to six police cars and officers shouting for him to put his hands up.

Our neighbors are really nosy.

Thank heavens.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Last month Sweetie flew back to Ohio for business and had one night to stay in our house, was dropped off by co-workers late and was to be picked up by them early.

At around six in the morning, he put his laptop and carryon on the sidewalk in front of our home and went back in to turn on security and check locks. He returned to six police cars and officers shouting for him to put his hands up.

Our neighbors are really nosy.

Thank heavens.

So did he try to make a run for it? :a20:

Nosy neighbors are nice to have in instances like that!

Bill :wave:

[Tbugs]

Yes, you basically have to portion responsibility to the victim here. While we may feel sorry for the loss, it would not have happened if normal care would have been applied.

What is this about "pickers" or "gleaners"? I have never noticed anyone like that in The Villages? Why wouldn't someone contact Community Watch about that? Don't give me a line about Community Watch not having any authority. They have standing orders to contact the police when unauthorized vendors, beggers, etc, are in The Villages.

I seriously doubt if the bags were stolen - especially from a villa community. It was just an accident that proved to be costly for the lady.

[katezbox]

TBugs,

I have never seen a picker or a gleaner - unless you could some Villagers driving around on trash day - frequently in carts - looking for treasures...

k

[scroll]

I think redwitch is wrong in blaming people who live on a fault line if something bad happens. This type of thinking does not belong in the Villages IMHO

[dillywho]

If this was just an accident or a mistake, she should have heard from them by now. Since there was paperwork inside (plus you're supposed to put your identification inside luggage in case it gets lost and the tags get pulled off the outside), once opened whoever took them should have realized that they were not fair game.

BTW, maybe the basketball was deflated.

[jblum315]

I just put out my trash for Friday pickup. It's 5 p.m. In the trash I put a small flatscreen TV that doesn't work and isn't worth fixing. 10 minute later, it was gone.

[redwitch]

Not sure why this type of thinking doesn't belong in TV. The reality is that we all need to be responsible for our actions. Being from California and having experienced a few quakes, I made dang sure that any home I purchased was not built directly on a fault line -- that's just asking for trouble. That doesn't mean I hope that a massive quake occurs and damages someone's home on a fault line. It means I think it is a poor choice and that if you make the choice to live on a fault line, you are assuming the risk. (BTW -- I did not make the original example of an earthquake/fault line. That was Vinny. I just stated that having lived in earthquake country that, yes, I would blame the victim for their loss. Doesn't mean I wouldn't help them every way possible. Doesn't mean they wouldn't have my sympathy. Just means that the ultimate responsibility lies on their shoulders.)

If I choose to cross the street in front of a car and it hits me, I'm responsible or, at least, I should be. If I choose to drink and drive and get into an accident, I should be held responsible. We all make choices and take risks. We should all take responsibility for those risks. In this case, someone lost their luggage because of a combination of poor judgment and bad luck. I really and truly hope it wasn't the deliberate taking of luggage that someone knew was not trash. Hopefully, the tag has their address or phone number and whoever took the luggage will quickly realize this was not trash and get it back to them.

[Pturner]

I had never heard of pickers or gleaners before. You learn something new everyday.

[Bogie Shooter]

Yes, you basically have to portion responsibility to the victim here. While we may feel sorry for the loss, it would not have happened if normal care would have been applied.

What is this about "pickers" or "gleaners"? I have never noticed anyone like that in The Villages? Why wouldn't someone contact Community Watch about that? Don't give me a line about Community Watch not having any authority. They have standing orders to contact the police when unauthorized vendors, beggers, etc, are in The Villages.

I seriously doubt if the bags were stolen - especially from a villa community. It was just an accident that proved to be costly for the lady.

Public streets.....trash picking is legal.

[pooh]

Public streets.....trash picking is legal.

Is it? What about recyclables? Where I lived before moving here, it wasn't legal to take recyclables from someone's trash. Not sure about other things.

[BogeyBoy]

Public streets.....trash picking is legal.

I think this was in a Villa area, those are the only private streets in TV.

[Tbugs]

I know I did ask about "trash pickers and gleaners". I have never seen one to my knowledge in the 18 months I have lived here.

If I saw someone going through my trash and he was not the trash collector employee, I would call Community Watch in the same way I would if I saw a panhandler going house to house.

I would expect Community Watch to observe this person and to call the police, if necessary, to have them leave The Villages - public streets or not - they would be creating a nusiance.

If the unfortunate lady who set her suitcases with $5000 worth of jewelry and a basketball on the curb, went back inside the house to wait for a ride, was the victim of a picker or gleaner - you can certainly see the "creating a nusiance". However, it is still mostly her fault for not taking reasonable precautions. Good luck on an insurance reimbursement.

[ricthemic]

I think this was in a Villa area, those are the only private streets in TV.

Is this a patio villa or a court yard villa complex? Just curious because all though we live in an amerillo we originally wanted a CYV until we realized of the only three windows that one could see the front street, two were in the garage and the other one was in the guest bedroom leaving the two other views to six foot walls. So if this crime (and it does sound like a crime) occured in a CYV it is unfortunate that unless adjacent neighbors were out front NO ONE would/could see what happened anyway. It bothers me greatly to hear that this could happen here not matter what type of home they were in.
I think I understand now why a village sales rep told me last year " we love selling CYV because in two years we are selling them again".

[JenAjd]

Oh, there are trash pickers who live in T.V. I've heard of people seeing stuff put out for trash or recycling and others who've nabbed whatever it was that seemed to be worthy of getting. Lights that weren't wanted by the home-owner, things like that! I personally haven't spotted anything set out that I'd want to take...except after Christmas saw a perfect poinsietta on the curb but we didn't stop so I didn't nab it!!!

[BogeyBoy]

Is this a patio villa or a court yard villa complex? Just curious because all though we live in an amerillo we originally wanted a CYV until we realized of the only three windows that one could see the front street, two were in the garage and the other one was in the guest bedroom leaving the two other views to six foot walls. So if this crime (and it does sound like a crime) occured in a CYV it is unfortunate that unless adjacent neighbors were out front NO ONE would/could see what happened anyway. It bothers me greatly to hear that this could happen here not matter what type of home they were in.
I think I understand now why a village sales rep told me last year " we love selling CYV because in two years we are selling them again".

I think the villas in question are CYV's.

The sales rep comment is interesting, I know a lot of people who have lived in CYV's for years and say they are there for the duration. I think there is a lot of movement in general whether it is a villa or ranch or designer or premier. People just like change and with so many houses on the market the grass is always greener ............

[starflyte1]

Tbugs, the pickers I see don't actually go thru your trash. If something is set out by itself, that is what they take.

[paulandjean]

If you put something down by the street,its fair game.If you do not want someone going thru your trash,do not put it out. I had seen many many people going thru my stiff the I laid out. Many people are having tuff times.ease up. Do not understand calling community watch. Spend more time on something worthwhile.

[red tail]

Is this a patio villa or a court yard villa complex? Just curious because all though we live in an amerillo we originally wanted a CYV until we realized of the only three windows that one could see the front street, two were in the garage and the other one was in the guest bedroom leaving the two other views to six foot walls. So if this crime (and it does sound like a crime) occured in a CYV it is unfortunate that unless adjacent neighbors were out front NO ONE would/could see what happened anyway. It bothers me greatly to hear that this could happen here not matter what type of home they were in.
I think I understand now why a village sales rep told me last year " we love selling CYV because in two years we are selling them again".

you are missing what the cyv's are all about. they are very close and yet provide much more privacy that the kissing houses do! both in the front as well as the back.

[Tbugs]

Okay, I think that I finally got it about "pickers". Basically, anyone could be called a "picker" if you see some discarded item from a house sitting by the curb for trash haulers and you decide you could fix it up and take it.

I did put out a lawn mower one time in my old home location and a very short time later, a neighbor came and took it so he could fix it up and use it.

I was actually thinking a "picker" was a scavenger who came into the area from outside.

I would not call Community Watch if I saw a person just taking an item like that - but would call Community Watch if they were actually digging through trash bags.

Thanks for the clarification.

[Ohiogirl]

Some "pickers" probably are from outside. It is not illegal. These are public roads for the most part. Even on the supposedly private ones in CYV neighborhoods who would care? It is done in neighborhoods in cities and towns everywhere. Another name for it is recycling. Keeps more out of our landfills.

I agree with the earlier poster - if you don't want someone to take it, don't put it out.

[jerseyvillager]

To all readers of this thread - let's get it straight once and for all. I am the neighbor of the unfortunate person who's luggage was STOLEN! I am the person who arrived just as my neighbor discovered the THEFT and the airport shuttle arrived. Our trash pickup, for the day involved, is one pickup of regular trash and the trucks come through only once, sometime after 12:00 pm on Tuesdays. The THEFT was realized about 11:15 am BEFORE THE TRASH PICKUP! The cases were separated from the trash. Equally disturbing is the newspaper report on this incident. It states, "The women also told authorities that it was trash pickup day and the suitcases could have been mistaken for trash, according to the report." I must question the accuracy of this article since, once again, THE TRASH WAS NOT PICKUP PRIOR TO THE DISCOVERY OF THE THEFT! - The bottom line: We are very safe in The Villages but we are not immune to what happens in the real world.

[katezbox]

Jerseyvillager,

Good comments....

However, most of us know that the "reporting" in the Daily Sun is anything but fair or factual. If we all think of it as a marketing sheet and not a newspaper, it keeps ones BP to reasonable levels.

Secondly, It really could have been mistaken for trash, just not by the actual trash guys from CH2M-Hill. As many of us have stated, pickers and gleaners from inside TV and out look for treasures on trash days.

Here's hoping that an honest person returns your neighbor's possessions.

[Talk Host]

It clearly was a theft.

Even a so called "picker" is guilty of theft when they grab something that they fully realize is not trash. When they got it home, and saw it was not trash and didn't bring it back, it was stolen. It was a thief who took it.

The owners certainly had their garage door or front door open. No matter how anybody wants to sugar coat it, it was taken by a thief.

Regarding the Daily Sun's distortion of the facts, one has to wonder which stories to believe or not believe. Important stories that have a significant impact on residents are now suspect.

I was a news reporter for 35 + years and am very sensitive to creditabity in reporting. With one lie, all other words must be considred lies as well.

[TrudyM]

It clearly was a theft.

Even a so called "picker" is guilty of theft when they grab something that they fully realize is not trash. When they got it home, and saw it was not trash and didn't bring it back, it was stolen. It was a thief who took it.

The owners certainly had their garage door or front door open. No matter how anybody wants to sugar coat it, it was taken by a thief.

Regarding the Daily Sun's distortion of the facts, one has to wonder which stories to believe or not believe. Important stories that have a significant impact on residents are now suspect.

I was a news reporter for 35 + years and am very sensitive to creditabity in reporting. With one lie, all other words must be considred lies as well.

I keep reading that the Sun is not much more than a developer adv for the villages. Seems there are lots of gifted writers in the villages maybe an online newspaper would be a good alternative. Just a thought.

[Tbugs]

The Daily Sun is a fine little hometown paper. It comes out every day, is very inexpensive, has great comedic editorials and columnists (Ollie North, Ann Coulter), and has enough news to be interesting but not depressing. The human interest items are fun to read, too.

If you want to read a paper with more substantive material, go online to New York Times, Washington Post, Washington Times, or even the hometown papers from whence you came. That is a good alternative to do or in addition to the Daily Sun.

[graciegirl]

The Daily Sun is a fine little hometown paper. It comes out every day, is very inexpensive, has great comedic editorials and columnists (Ollie North, Ann Coulter), and has enough news to be interesting but not depressing. The human interest items are fun to read, too.

If you want to read a paper with more substantive material, go online to New York Times, Washington Post, Washington Times, or even the hometown papers from whence you came. That is a good alternative to do or in addition to the Daily Sun.

I read the Sun with my coffee every morning. I like it.

It is much better than the community news that we got once a week back in West Chester, Ohio but not as good as our Daily Cincinnati Enquirer. However... Cincinnati is a LOT bigger than The Villages.

It has a lot of interesting stuff from the AP wire as well.

It also has columns and columnists from surrounding communities, which I think is kinda nice since it is a vehicle for the developer of The Villages.

I particularly like to see all of the fun that others are having here. AND the interesting lives people have led before they arrived here.

I think that the article may have allowed people to think that it was picked up by the trash people. Be it the big truck or the other guys who come and pick up things from the curb. Which it well could have been...picked up by a scavenger.

We won't know. The person that has it knows. Keeping it is stealing, just as talk host says....

in my very humble opinion.

I never have $5000 worth of stuff in my checked luggage. If I have something valuable, I carry it in my purse. I think we need to learn from this.

[paulandjean]

$5000 in the suitcases, Sounds fishy, Put out in the driveway,something is not right. Blame on the pickers, something is not adding up. Maybe insurance claim. I do not know.

[jerseyvillager]

Please don't question the integrity of a professional women who within minutes of the incident needs to talk to a police officer and provide a "basic" list of what she lost; while in a state of distress. How do you put a value on family heirlooms, treasured jewelry, important legal papers, etc. The only thing "fishy" here is how some scavenger couldn't tell luggage from trash.

[paulandjean]

My point, I do not think anyone would question if something is left near the garbage,looks to good.I have seen some really nice stuff tossed away.The question is she made a mistake,but is it really theft.

[dillywho]

According to earlier posts in this thread (#3 for instance), the papers and jewelry were in her carry-on and not the luggage to be checked.

This incident reminds us once again that even here in TV there is crime.

[scroll]

Jersey villager is right on. I agree and all who do not are living in a world were deception and hope has the possibility of replacing reality. It is not wrong to hope for the best but give this poor lady our compassion that she deserves. We all done things that place trust in our fellow mankind and that trust has been let down. We should not blame the victim. As far as insurance claims you need proof for everything including receipts. My wife had some valuables stolen from a locked vehicle and the paperwork was like an audit from the IRS. Like my wife, She will not get what she lost back in monetary terms at all. The system works against her. Please have some compassion for this THEFT. My heart goes out to her. People who say let this be a lesson to learn, I can only hope they do not have to learn a lesson like this where they true are victimized by mankind. We who have so much of life experiences and so called education of hard knocks, need to not lose are compassion, understanding, and caring for our fellow mankind. Just put your self in the others shoes before you blame. I am as guilty of this as the rest of us if not more because of being opinionated.

[graciegirl]

According to earlier posts in this thread (#3 for instance), the papers and jewelry were in her carry-on and not the luggage to be checked.

This incident reminds us once again that even here in TV there is crime.

Thank you Dillywho. These theads become so long sometimes that we lose the gist of the original posts. I too made a wrong assumption. I am sorry.

[dillywho]

Jersey villager is right on. I agree and all who do not are living in a world were deception and hope has the possibility of replacing reality. It is not wrong to hope for the best but give this poor lady our compassion that she deserves. We all done things that place trust in our fellow mankind and that trust has been let down. We should not blame the victim. As far as insurance claims you need proof for everything including receipts. My wife had some valuables stolen from a locked vehicle and the paperwork was like an audit from the IRS. Like my wife, She will not get what she lost back in monetary terms at all. The system works against her. Please have some compassion for this THEFT. My heart goes out to her. People who say let this be a lesson to learn, I can only hope they do not have to learn a lesson like this where they true are victimized by mankind. We who have so much of life experiences and so called education of hard knocks, need to not lose are compassion, understanding, and caring for our fellow mankind. Just put your self in the others shoes before you blame. I am as guilty of this as the rest of us if not more because of being opinionated.

I don't think that there is a one here that does not feel for this lady. She has to be totally devastated. Most seem to just be reminding us all that we no longer live in a world, including TV, in which we can be so trusting as in days of old. I remember the days when the only time you ever locked a door was if you were leaving town for an extended time and you only shut the windows to keep out the rain or the dust from the major dust storms we would sometimes have.

[graciegirl]

Jersey villager is right on. I agree and all who do not are living in a world were deception and hope has the possibility of replacing reality. It is not wrong to hope for the best but give this poor lady our compassion that she deserves. We all done things that place trust in our fellow mankind and that trust has been let down. We should not blame the victim. As far as insurance claims you need proof for everything including receipts. My wife had some valuables stolen from a locked vehicle and the paperwork was like an audit from the IRS. Like my wife, She will not get what she lost back in monetary terms at all. The system works against her. Please have some compassion for this THEFT. My heart goes out to her. People who say let this be a lesson to learn, I can only hope they do not have to learn a lesson like this where they true are victimized by mankind. We who have so much of life experiences and so called education of hard knocks, need to not lose are compassion, understanding, and caring for our fellow mankind. Just put your self in the others shoes before you blame. I am as guilty of this as the rest of us if not more because of being opinionated.

What a good person you are and what a good reminder. I needed it. Hugs to you.