First hand account of burglary in Sanibel
 

I am the homeowner whose home was burglarized yesterday in Sanibel. We were out and about The Villages yesterday and when we arrived home about 2 o'clock, we discovered our home had been broken into. They kicked the front door in WITH A SECURITY BAR in place. The security bar was worthless. The molding on the inside ripped away and they walked right in. The door was not even damaged. They targeted a safe that we had in the house. Now here's the thing. There has been only one worker in the house since we got that safe. The police have that information. However, we realized that we did something very stupid. We put that box out on the street for garbage pick-up and had some other garbage inside the box. The garbage pick-up has been rather late for the last several weeks so it sat in our driveway all morning. It was like a big advertisement that we had a safe and therefore, must have valuables in the house! It seems obvious now, but at the time we thought nothing of it! So please, be careful of what you are throwing out! They definitely targeted the safe and easily pried it open. It is clear to us by looking at the things they passed up, that they were looking for cash and gold. (small items only.) Unfortunately for me, I had taken off my wedding band and diamond the night before and left it right out on my nightstand. Needless to say, they were gone. They did not appear to have been in the house long. They went through the master bedroom nightstands and dresser top drawers. It does not appear that they were anywhere else in the home. When they left, it appears they walked out the back door right to the country club parking lot where they were probably parked.
So I read on the other threads regarding this burglary that everyone on the street watches out for each other. We do that on this street too but it didn't help. I read that it is almost impossible to kick in the door with a security bar in place. Not true. There are no neighbors nearby with kids living with them that I know of but there sure are lots of contractors on this street everyday. I believe it was one of them. We didn't run out and get a security system when this same thing happened to someone else in our neighborhood, but we will be getting one now. That and a safety deposit box at the bank.

Lynne. I am SO sorry this happened and THANK YOU for telling us.

I hope they catch the lowlife XXXXXXX and that your precious items are returned to you.

Do you think that the other break in was done in the same way?

It is horrible and shocking to know that someone can break down our doors in the middle of the day.

Again. I am so sorry this happened to you.

So sorry to hear what happened, but thank you so much for sharing your experience and thoughts. Perhaps it will help others. It is a good idea to watch what you put out for trash, I would not have given it a second thought. Just a question, was the safe installed by someone other than yourselves?

We bought and installed the safe about two weeks ago. Told no one about it. There was one worker in our house since then, but I was keeping my eye on him. Then it dawned on me that we had thrown the box away in the trash. Seems so dumb now, but like I said, we didn't even think about it at the time. Oh well, another lesson learned.

If you send me a PM, I will send you phone number of the security company we use. It's easy, It's not expensive, and it's monitored for Burglar, Fire and Police. There's nothing stuck on windows etc. It's also portable. You can take it with you if you move.

Even if you don't buy the system (about $99.00), it's worth an hour of your time to hear and see how it works.

I'm a fellow Sanibel resident (French Oak Avenue) and we use Frontpoint Security. We have been very happy with their system and especially with the customer service. You might check them out.

Total Security, Big Savings | FrontPoint Security

Also, would it be worth our time for someone from the Sanibel Heights Neighborhood Association to contact Frontpoint and other security companies about a group discount for anyone in the Association who might want to have the service? There is usually a discount available when groups purchase in volume. Just a thought. It would be easy to try to arrange a discount and then survey the Association members via email to see how many might be interested. We could turn Sanibel into the most protected neighborhood in The Villages!

Very sorry to hear about this burglary. It is nice to have nosy neighbors at times like this. Nosy strangers about what goes out in your trash, not so much.

This article might be of interest to others as well. I have seen similar recommendations on various news shows. http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/200...vention-bushes

Has anyone used the people on canal street in the villages for a built in safe?

I am so sorry to hear about your house being burglarized and most especially
that your wedding rings were taken.

Thank you so, so much for posting the facts.
I would have never thought about the box either.

We have every intention of putting an alarm in AND putting
Jewelry in a safe deposit in the bank.

I hope, somehow, they catch whoever did it and your rings are returned.

I didn't see this covered in The Sun.
 

I hope that it will be in tomorrow.

I am so sorry to hear about your house being broken into. My husband has always had a thing about the trash. Says you are just advertising that you bought a new flat screen tv etc. you have to be careful, especially after the holiday when there are a lot of new boxes to throw out.

Security Bar
 

Lynnelf,

I'm so sorry this happened to you.

Does your security bar go across your door or is it wedged under the door knob?

We rented a safety deposit box the day we closed on our home. Was surprised how cheap it was compared to up north.

So sorry Lynn that this happened. It is such an invasion to know that someone has been in your home, going through your personal things--- Hope you will recover your wedding rings-- Also hope that the authorities notify area Pawn Shops and jewelry stores that buy gold, etc. Thank you for warning all of us about putting out boxes on trash day---never would have thought of that-- but you are telling everyone what you have in your home.

I would have an alarm system installed and use a monitoring service.

DIY Security cameras are fairly cheap now days. Many can be installed by the home owner if they are handy with that sort of thing. If not, a technician or electrician could set it up.

There are complete packages of a few cameras and DVR at a fairly low price. Some packages are less than $200. Motion detection recording, night vision, email snapshots, etc.

The security bar was the type that wedges underneath the doorknob. A safe-deposit box at the bank is definitely the way to go. I am heading to the bank today as we speak.

Thanks all for the recommendations on security systems. We are looking into those too.

I feel for you
 

It must be a very uneasy feeling to have your home broken into. It seems that if these thieves want to get in...they will get in. I suggested on my other post that it may be a good idea for people to have security systems and some kinda made fun of me. Now, we hear first hand that you are getting one. I guess my suggestion wasn't that far off after all. I truly hope they catch the thief but the chances are slim that you will ever get your rings back.....they have probably already sold them. Perhaps you and hubby can have a special day and go
Pick out something new that you can cherish just like your other rings. Maybe renew your vows with the new rings? Thanks Giving may have a whole new meaning this year. My heart goes out to you.

Does anyone know if the burglar in the first break-in in Sanibel was ever caught? Sorry I don't remember the street name where that occured.

Not to my knowledge. I never read or heard that they were.

We are very good on this forum in passing that kind of information around.

I am just thinking that the fact she had a safe is pivotal. Someone knew.

I am hoping that the police are exploring anything in common with the other break in since it was very close by.

Would it be a contractor in common, or something in common?

I know I watch too many detective shows, but they caught the contractor who was stealing appliances from new builds. They caught the person who stole jewelry from a couple homes in close proximity north of 466. He was someone's son who lived nearby. I think we have some savvy law enforcement here.

One thing both victims had in common Is that they were fairly new and they both might have bought or looked into something similar perhaps to add or buy.

I don't have much "good" jewelry. Usually only wear my wedding rings. Some people have more and wear it frequently. Or it is more common knowledge that they enjoy fine jewelry.

I hope they find these losers and soon.

I do not believe they were ever caught. And in answer to a previous question, yes the two crimes seem very similar. Burglars kicked in the door, frame busted and they had access to the house. They were in and out of the house in a very short time frame. And as Happinow stated, if these thieves want to get in, they will get in. We were told the same thing by more than one deputy from the Sheriff's dept. And the detective who investigated yesterday said the sliders can be very simple to get into as well. Lots of sleepless nights ahead of me now.

Without question, those engaging in breaking and entering do not want to draw attention upon themselves while they are in the act. An ear splitting alarm going off, and the police being automatically dispatched to the location are not things that will make their work easier. Therefore they will avoid those things. In case you hadn't guessed, I'm an advocate of security systems. Do I have one to catch the bad guy? No. I have one so that the bad guy goes somewhere else.

We have friends who live in a truly gated community on the gulf coast and they had a rash of break ins. They found the common denominator was one of the gardener/grass cutter/ landscape guys was noting when homeowners left their homes together and would call someone who they let in the gates and who broke in.

We all need to be on this case and watching unusual stuff.

We literally have thousands of good and ethical people taking care of our yards here but it just takes ONE bad one.

Actually, having the window and door stickers is a Huge deterrent. Experienced burglars will avoid the hassle.

I don't know, Indy... you may be right. However, recalling over the years, the different security system companies we employed advised us if you truly have a security system, a window or door sticker or sign shouldn't be used. Almost all security systems can be gotten around by savvy thieves and not so savvy thieves. Surprising the thief with a system in place is far better because they have tripped it and they take off running. :eek:

We know quite a few people with bogus security signs and thieves are aware also that many signs are not legit. Was anyone else counseled not to sign or forewarn thieves of their system?

Thank you for sharing your tragedy. We are sorry to hear that happened. It is so true that we have to always be careful even in paradise.

I do have a question. Did they crack the safe, or carry it out if it wasn't bolted down. I would think that this would take some time.

We were advised by ADT to use the stickers as the pros want to hit and run quick. The newer alarm systems do not use wire or landline phones and are harder to bypass. That being said, you can make a case for the yard signs and window stickers only being effective advertising for the security company.

We employ wireless cameras and a 44 magnum.

The cameras and magnum sound like a very effective security program but I'm afraid to have a loaded gun in the house. I have such vivid dreams and I'm concerned I may use a gun without knowledge I'm doing so. Sigh... it may be time to put THAT fear away and obtain training and a weapon.

On the other hand, upon moving to FL, we have divested ourselves of lots of the pricey, material things in life and we use very little cash. Maybe they would run off with my books and the sofa? Hmmm, I could get over that. Much to think about!

I think signs and stickers are a good idea. But I consider them as an addition to an alarm system, not as an alternative.

I also think it is a good idea to have motion activated flood/spot lighting around the outside of the home.

Anything that makes the home appear to increase the risk of the thief being detected and at risk of being caught.

Much of the technology is pretty cheap.

Lynn, you should get out the yellow pages and hit every pawn shop within a 15 mile radius over the next 5 days. You will probably find most of your stuff. You can then contact the police and they can get to the bottom of who pawned it.

To answer the question regarding the safe, they pried it open, probably with a crowbar. Yes, it was that easy. Yes, First Alert, the company that made the safe, will be hearing from me.

So sorry that this has happened to you...
I have been in Sable Chase almost 1 year and am surprised to see so many unmarked trucks roaming around the neighborhood... some have lawn equipment in the back of them, but there is one thing that is interesting....
There is no sign or lettering on the sides of the trucks!...
hummmm.
I'm also disappointed with The Village sales person telling me, "you really don't need a security system here!!!
Karron
Again... Thank You for sharing your experience with us!

Help Phone # for Security System
 

Will the person that said they had a system put in for 99.00 Please give the name of the company and phone # Thanks

I guess this was not their first party. I like the check the pawn shop idea.

Please post it here for us all. After reading this I think I'm getting it too.

I just wanted to get posts from all the people who get stuff stolen so I can go solve the crime. I'm half serious. Try me. give us a picture and description...

If anyone could it would be you Kitty.

Don't forget your ...you know.

AND BE CAREFUL.

Wow this could be the makings of a new crime novel.

The last crook that stole golf clubs was actually caught trying to pawn the clubs. If I recall in was in Brookville, about an hour south of here. I think sheriff has the pawn shops covered.

Indy is right in that most all of the modern security systems are wireless, and thus almost impossible for a burglar to bypass or disable. Frontpoint also has "crash protection" meaning if someone breaks in and immediately takes a bat to the control panel, it automatically sets off and dispatches law enforcement.