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.