Talk of The Villages Florida
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Talk of The Villages Florida (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/)
-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   Another Break In (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/another-break-127317/)

cmj1210 09-18-2014 06:21 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bonanza (Post 939973)
There is something that residents do, and I would like to believe it is done out of ignorance.

Most of the houses have residents' name on the little sign in the front of their house. I'm not trying to scare anyone, but the fact of the matter is those who have their last name on the sign is really making it easy these thieves. They see your full name. They look you up in the phone book. They call your number. You aren't home. Ta-Da! Guess what?

The same is true of your phone number. The thieves pick a random phone number. Often the resident leaves their full name. Why? Just leave your phone number. Your friends know whom they're calling. Anyone else can leave a message, anyway. Same scenario. These bad guys have your name and phone number. They look you up in the phone book or get on the Internet and get your address from the tax rolls. Or -- they already have your name, address and phone number because they've looked you up in the phone book (yeah -- this is easier for them). Ta-Da! Guess what? Same thing as above.

TV residents have to smarten up. We all are a target. Don't put yourself in a position where you could be next.

Good point. We now plan on replacing our sign with only our first names. We also looked at installing a "security" screen door. It would be hard for the perpetrators to kick in an all metal door. I think this will help as a great deterrent.

graciegirl 09-18-2014 06:47 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bonanza (Post 939973)
There is something that residents do, and I would like to believe it is done out of ignorance.

Most of the houses have residents' name on the little sign in the front of their house. I'm not trying to scare anyone, but the fact of the matter is those who have their last name on the sign is really making it easy these thieves. They see your full name. They look you up in the phone book. They call your number. You aren't home. Ta-Da! Guess what?

The same is true of your phone number. The thieves pick a random phone number. Often the resident leaves their full name. Why? Just leave your phone number. Your friends know whom they're calling. Anyone else can leave a message, anyway. Same scenario. These bad guys have your name and phone number. They look you up in the phone book or get on the Internet and get your address from the tax rolls. Or -- they already have your name, address and phone number because they've looked you up in the phone book (yeah -- this is easier for them). Ta-Da! Guess what? Same thing as above.

TV residents have to smarten up. We all are a target. Don't put yourself in a position where you could be next.
Bonanza has a very good point. We have our first names on our sign only.

Please call the sheriff's office and have them send someone out to your home and tell you all of the ways that you can be safer. They offer this and encourage people to use their information. It is very helpful and there are many ways that are simple and very useful.

lynxville 09-18-2014 06:59 AM
Do you have neighborhood watch programs? I used to live in a development where residents patrolled in golf carts and looked for suspicious activity. Had block captains etc.

asianthree 09-18-2014 06:59 AM
If you use a land line transfer it to your cell when you are not home.

Medtrans 09-18-2014 07:08 AM
How many Community Watch patrols are there at any given time?

graciegirl 09-18-2014 07:14 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Medtrans (Post 940036)
How many Community Watch patrols are there at any given time?
We have seen the Watch cars at least twice a day in our neighborhood, maybe more. They can approach and question and call the sheriff but maybe you should just call the sheriff. If you see something, say something.

We are mostly retired and moving around this town with cell phones with cameras....if you see someone walking between the houses or someone who doesn't look like a umm...retired person and out of place cruising by or doing something even a tad suspicicous, TAKE THEIR PICTURE and call the sheriffs non emergency line or... That is how the last two were caught. A bug spray guy called it in. He saw two guys in an old car and one was going behind someone's house. Bug sprayer is a young guy and was featured in the online news and some folks sent him a little cash for his efforts.

Most of these have occurred in broad daylight. These guys know WHEN the people leave. They either have been in the homes and have seen a calendar, or some other commonality. There were two that occurred in the same 24 hour span and both people had just left for Canada. Taxi driver? Someone who knows someone who tells someone???

Medtrans 09-18-2014 07:22 AM
Thanks for the tip to just have our first names on our outdoor sign. We are going to order ours next Thurs when we come for our visit.

Walter123 09-18-2014 07:25 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bonanza (Post 939973)
There is something that residents do, and I would like to believe it is done out of ignorance.

Most of the houses have residents' name on the little sign in the front of their house. I'm not trying to scare anyone, but the fact of the matter is those who have their last name on the sign is really making it easy these thieves. They see your full name. They look you up in the phone book. They call your number. You aren't home. Ta-Da! Guess what?

The same is true of your phone number. The thieves pick a random phone number. Often the resident leaves their full name. Why? Just leave your phone number. Your friends know whom they're calling. Anyone else can leave a message, anyway. Same scenario. These bad guys have your name and phone number. They look you up in the phone book or get on the Internet and get your address from the tax rolls. Or -- they already have your name, address and phone number because they've looked you up in the phone book (yeah -- this is easier for them). Ta-Da! Guess what? Same thing as above.

TV residents have to smarten up. We all are a target. Don't put yourself in a position where you could be next.
Let's all switch signs with each other! That should confuse the bad guys. :police:

asianthree 09-18-2014 07:28 AM
Does anyone use the steal bar that goes against the door. We had one in Boston . Would that help?

Miles42 09-18-2014 07:44 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by AJ32162 (Post 939879)
I could be wrong, but I don't think burglary qualifies as a "social support program".:shrug:
I agree.

Bonny 09-18-2014 07:47 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by FLSun (Post 939959)
There are special penalties for violations in drug free and gun free school zones. Let's get Florida to create laws that apply to crimes against people over 55. No posting bail and long prison terms. Air conditioning not required.
Why create laws for people over 55 ? Everyone needs the protection and sense of security to know that the lowlife can't post bail and will go to prison.

MSGirl 09-18-2014 08:40 AM
I agree with GracieGirl regarding stiffer penalties for crimes committed. I lived in a bedroom community amongst one of the largest crime filled small cities, and the largest crime reported was for barking dogs. There was a robbery at the local McDonalds, and that criminal received the maximum penalty by law for his crime. The mayor wanted to send a message to criminals that she wouldn't tolerate criminal activity in her town. They got the message loud and clear.
On another note, we don't have key deadbolt locks on our doors, and the doors are not strong enough to keep criminals out- in my opinion. Change all the locks on doors to a more secure lock. Add security systems. Make it harder for the perpetrator. Neighborhood watch groups are good too.

TexaninVA 09-18-2014 08:53 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bonanza (Post 939899)
Oh, please!
This thread is NOT about those who have had a rough life.
It's the haves versus the have nots.
We are speaking about criminals!
Thank you for saying what I was thinking .... I will just add "give us a break" with the poor unfortunate stuff. This is about burglary and crime.

njbchbum 09-18-2014 09:42 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bonanza (Post 939967)
snipped

One of my next door neighbors is a snowbird. They are here for the winter and come and go during the warmer months. They have never mentioned to us when they are leaving or when they will be coming back. They are very foolish because we neighbors could be their watchdogs.

snipped
So glad I live where I do! We neighbors watch out for each other and the homes when anyone so much as leaves to do an errand! And no one had to be asked to do that! I love my neighbors!

Irishmen 09-18-2014 10:23 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Medtrans (Post 940041)
Thanks for the tip to just have our first names on our outdoor sign. We are going to order ours next Thurs when we come for our visit.
This is a good theory however the hole is they could just look up your address on govt website and get even more info than a phonebook.

rubicon 09-18-2014 11:33 AM
I suppose most of you have seen that U-Tube video where the mind reader searches the mind of a number of individuals and to the letter he gets every bit of their private information and more than that accurately.

Then the surprise the mind reader actually went on their facebook and found all that information..People keep screaming about their privacy but yet go about giving information about themselves freely. People can get more from face book then the NSA does with meta data and people scream. Yet the NSA's meta data is protecting our national security

Rickg 09-18-2014 08:45 PM
If you allow people/contractors in your home you need to be vigilant of what is left out (visible). Don't Let them know you are on a regular schedule, or that you are seasonal. We don't have a land line. Be careful of the boxes you put out for the trash. These are just a few things. Yes, it's sad that we need to do this but it is a fact of life. We are easier targets than a 25 yr old. So we need to use common sense. Most of the people that break into your home are looking For a quick easy profitable target. The harder you make it the more likely they will pass on your home, unless they know it Will be very profitable.

Bonanza 09-19-2014 12:29 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by asianthree (Post 940044)
Does anyone use the steal bar that goes against the door. We had one in Boston . Would that help?
I don't think it really matters.
If they can't break in the door, they certainly can break in a window or sliding door.
These bad guys have too many choices!

Bonanza 09-19-2014 12:36 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by njbchbum (Post 940115)
So glad I live where I do! We neighbors watch out for each other and the homes when anyone so much as leaves to do an errand! And no one had to be asked to do that! I love my neighbors!
What you are describing is the way it should be.
I have no idea what our next door neighbor's problem is,
but they are very private regarding their comings and goings.
None of the other neighbors here are like that, thankfully.
We do try to take care of and watch out for one another.

Shimpy 09-19-2014 04:29 PM
Hurricane code here is not as strict as Dade County codes in Miami. There, all outside doors must open out.......not in as my door is here. Opening out makes the inside push of the door not only supported by the latch, but by the entire frame. You won't kick in a door that opens out.

NJblue 09-19-2014 04:57 PM
Not sure how much of a threat having your name on your lamp post is. It is far easier to find out if someone is home by just ringing the door bell. If they come to the door, you ask them if they want their shrubs trimmed and then leave.

MikeV 09-19-2014 08:14 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by NJblue (Post 940800)
Not sure how much of a threat having your name on your lamp post is. It is far easier to find out if someone is home by just ringing the door bell. If they come to the door, you ask them if they want their shrubs trimmed and then leave.
The house that was burglarized has a name sign with only the ladies first and last name on it. So knowing a single lady lives there may or may not have been a factor.

Polar Bear 09-19-2014 08:39 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by NJblue (Post 940800)
Not sure how much of a threat having your name on your lamp post is...

Agree. With caller ID and other phone technology the way it is today, It would be a shaky assumption for criminals to equate a no-answer to nobody-home.

Indydealmaker 09-19-2014 09:13 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shimpy (Post 940783)
Hurricane code here is not as strict as Dade County codes in Miami. There, all outside doors must open out.......not in as my door is here. Opening out makes the inside push of the door not only supported by the latch, but by the entire frame. You won't kick in a door that opens out.
In Miami, that is probably not Hurricane code. It is probably criminal code!:1rotfl:

fltbuff71 09-20-2014 05:59 AM
Move to a truly gated community

kittygilchrist 09-20-2014 05:59 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walter123 (Post 940043)
Let's all switch signs with each other! That should confuse the bad guys. :police:
What does your name have to do with a decision to break in?

kittygilchrist 09-20-2014 06:05 AM
Nearly two dozen arrested in Sumter County drug sting | www.wftv.com
These are our neighbors....good for leos on this one...last april.

Indydealmaker 09-20-2014 10:30 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by fltbuff71 (Post 940932)
Move to a truly gated community
Bold, daytime burglaries are difficult to prevent even in gated communities. The Villages homes are hosts at any given time to hundreds, if not thousands of unvetted contractors and maintenance crews. Once inside those gated communities, these guys have unfettered access.

I suppose that small, residential villages with attended gates would be less likely to have this problem, but Villagers get all hot and bothered about the cost of flowers, let alone paying for private security and an army of guards at the gates.

Bonny 09-20-2014 10:37 AM
We also have 100,000. Don't think that there aren't a few unsavory people that live here.

Bonanza 09-20-2014 10:14 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by NJblue (Post 940800)
Not sure how much of a threat having your name on your lamp post is. It is far easier to find out if someone is home by just ringing the door bell. If they come to the door, you ask them if they want their shrubs trimmed and then leave.
What you're saying is true, however,
I don't think they really want to be seen and have their face remembered.

Bonanza 09-20-2014 10:21 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by fltbuff71 (Post 940932)
Move to a truly gated community
There are more burglaries in gated communities than non-gated.
Most of them are during the day.
The thinking is there is better "stuff" in gated communities
because the people have more $$$.

NJblue 09-22-2014 11:18 AM
deleted

graciegirl 09-22-2014 11:31 AM
The guys arrested so far didn't look like the contractors that we see around the villages. They looked like non workers to me.

patfla06 09-22-2014 11:38 AM
Our first sign had our first and last name.
Our Second sign has just our first names.

We also put in an alarm system.
Have always had one even in Tampa where
we lived in a gated and guarded community.

tomwed 09-22-2014 12:00 PM
http://tphsupply.com/images/658-1001.jpg

If you installed this door stop on the inside of your exterior door do you think it would be possible to force the door open?
Of course there are other ways to enter a house.

Indydealmaker 09-22-2014 12:16 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by tomwed (Post 942100)
http://tphsupply.com/images/658-1001.jpg

If you installed this door stop on the inside of your exterior door do you think it would be possible to force the door open?
Of course there are other ways to enter a house.
My guess is that this would stop the first push, but repeated pushes are likely to shear off the screws in a metal door or strip them out of a wooden door. This door stop is designed to keep a normally closed door in the open position.

I use a metal pole with a rubber foot that wedges up under the door handle. This is simply a deterrent.

graciegirl 09-22-2014 01:47 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by GuardMeSecurity (Post 942164)
Well at least they were caught. Any information as to where they were from?
I am speaking of the break ins and burglaries before the most recent two.

If you want to know who they were go to the online news and they have mugshots and names of everyone arrested in this area. Look under crime in the toolbar.

beachman46 09-22-2014 01:50 PM
I agree Kitty. All it takes is one burglar to get shot and the word will get out.

Indydealmaker 09-22-2014 01:54 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 942177)
I am speaking of the break ins and burglaries before the most recent two.

If you want to know who they were go to the online news and they have mugshots and names of everyone arrested in this area. Look under crime in the toolbar.
There was an unsubstantiated rumor that they were agents hired by Stonecrest to disrupt our peace and tranquility and drive home sales to The Villages competitors.:1rotfl:

dave from deland 09-22-2014 09:23 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by GuardMeSecurity (Post 942213)
You do understand that you have to prove the justification of the shooting right? You will be taken to jail, if you don't kill the person they can sue you, then you have to prove to a court that the discharge of your firearm was justified and necessary. The stand your ground law is an after fact, it doesn't just allow you to expend rounds at an intruder unless you feel your life is in imminent danger. And you have to prove that in court.

And god forbid you've had a few drinks at some point, you test over the limit, they are going to charge you with a felony and that will also be brought up in your manslaughter case.

I worked for a class III FFL for years, the laws in florida are different then Missouri but the court system is the same.

What happens if you miss? that round is still going to have sufficient velocity to severely injure or kill one of your neighbors.

What happens if you hit but its a through and through? The same thing can still happen.

I am also a combat veteran, and have worked in the security industry for years.

A home defense weapon is a shotgun or a 9mm with personal protection rounds. anything else (your .357 magnum, high powered rifle etc), anything with more power then that endangers your neighbors as much as the intruder.

I have plenty of guns, but i still have a security system, i would rather the intruder see the sign, or be scared by the siren, then have to put a round in them, ANY DAY.
I too have guns and a security system along with a safe. Since there are so many wood frame homes in TV I suggest a shotgun with birdshot to avoid overpenetration. I watched a demonstration on a shooting show and birdshot is deadly at close range without overpenetration. Even 00 buckshot can overpenetrate if it doesn't hit a wood frame.


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