[SusanOfWoodbury]

Sorry to read about your break in. Thanks for providing the information about putting the box out front for trash.. Really sad, that we need to worry about this kind of behavior from workers if that was the case. Security system sounds like the best idea.
Actually I think new homes should have a security system installed..
God Bless

[LeeM]

Is there a crime watch group in effect in the area?

I am in charge of the crime watch for my street (in MD not in the Villages) and was told by the police to tell residents to put crime watch stickers in visible spots. We also purchased a crime watch sign for the street. And I try to update the info about each resident (car, family members etc.) so neighbors can be on the look out for possible problems.

[upstate]

We were victims of a burglary while at home over thirty years ago. The sound of glass breaking and hearing voices as they attempt to enter your residence is something you don't soon forget. To the OP, I sincerely hope that the items taken are recovered and you can find peace. Kicking in a door is a brazen act, especially during daylight hours, you never know how a burglar may react when discovered.

[jebartle]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Was the container a garbage can?

a garden container....I'm afraid the next burglar is going to feel sorry for us and leave us the loot!

[justjim]

The worst reaction is to be paranoid about an occasional burglary in TV. Let's face facts----it happens and it doesn't matter what community you happen to reside. The operative word here is occasionally. There are honest poor as well as honest middle-class and rich. Poor people needing items that we throw away has little to do with being a thief who would break into your home and steal your valuables. Just because you are poor doesn't make you a burglar IMHO.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

I am so sorry for that violation of someone breaking in and going through your things and ultimately stealing from you. I hope you can get your things back and learn to feel secure again in your home. I, too, think a security system is a good idea, if only to slow down a thief or to give him second thoughts. I am going to install one in my home.
Kathie, it breaks my heart to hear you lost a dog to a burglar. My fear is also that one would hurt or let one of my dogs out to get loose. Would one of mine hurt a burglar? Who knows, but I'd hate to rely on that as a security system. I'd rather keep them safe and never have to find out the hard way when it's too late and someone is already IN my house.

[CassieInVa]

Lynn,

I'm not in the Villages yet, but coming for my second LSV next month. I have several recommendations.

Go to all of the local pawn shops. Do NOT ask the staff there if they have your jewelry or tell them about your robbery. They do not care. All pawn shops buy stolen goods and hope they won't be caught. They also have to do a daily or weekly report to law enforcement about what they took in - but they don't really put a good description and they will try to be as vague as possible. If you find your jewelry there, they have to return it and they are out the money they paid and they know that. They may act concerned, but it is NOT in their best interest to help you. (I worked for the state police for years and this is a fact.)

I know this because I was robbed of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry at one time. It turned out to be our cleaning lady of eight years! The police brought me some pics of some stolen jewelry from a pawn shop - one piece was mine. They said that was the only piece - out of at least 30 or more 14/18kt gold. (It was all over the news here on East Coast) They wouldn't tell us which pawn shop but we overheard them talking and my husband and I went straight there after the police left. We divided up, acting like we were just shopping for jewelry and my husband found his gold ring - very unique and one of a kind. He signaled to me, we called the detective (never giving any warning to the pawn shop staff).

When the detective got there, we described each piece of jewelry - I figured if they had one or two pieces, they must have my solid gold vintage charm bracelet with charms - worth about $3,000 and my other good bracelet, etc. The detective was ready to give up and I said, can I see a list of everything else that was taken in around that time and by who.... turned out most of it was in her boyfriend's name. They tried to just brush me off but I said, you need to check the back (because they are supposed to not put it out for sale after they take it in for at least a week or two for this very reason). The detective then said maybe she should look in the back and suddenly out they came with about fifteen of our missing pieces. They were very mad and not happy as it was a big loss for them. They Had to have known that it was stolen goods, people don't just bring in $3,000 bracelets and thousands of dollars of beautiful and custom gold jewelry all at once.

And guess what - It was ME that contacted all of other people she cleaned for over the years (once she failed the lie detector test) - many of whom had stopped using her because they suspected her of stealing and it was because of me that most got their jewelry back, including sentimental tiffany pieces, etc. The police were not that helpful - probably too much other crime in area - we solved the crime for about ten other victims due to my pursuing my jewelry and getting at the truth.

Also, I recommend a security system and I will have one when I buy there. Have to have that piece of mind. Also will have cameras that I can view remotely if I need to check on the house when away.

I'm sorry this happened to you and it is an awful feeling. But do what I said about the pawn shops... just look through the cases and if you find something - DON'T tell them - they will just hide any other pieces that came in with it before police arrive. Let police come first!

[Mintjulep]

Sorry to hear about the burglary.
It happened to us 2 months after we moved into our house in TV about 4 years ago. Popped the lock on our bedroom slider in our gardenia. They got tons of jewelry. No one was ever caught and nothing was ever recovered. There was a rash of break-ins during that time. Sounds very similar...
It has made us very cautions still today.
And Kathie, remember we had 3 yappy schnauzers in the house when it happened! We were just thankful they weren't harmed.

[mainlander]

If they simply kicked in the front door,, it sounds like they are experienced at this type of quick entry. (experienced). If they pried open the safe they must have brought the proper tool. (equipped). Sounds to me like they knew what to do , what to expect and were quick (experienced). The garbage was a tip-off likely,, indicating a new arrival with a safe as well. Every time I have been in the Villages, as a jogger, I have often seen old trucks simply crawling around , no equipment in the back and simply cruising around... may be the type,, dunno. Perhaps the local PD should stop these guys and ask a few questions. Sorry for your loss but get pro-active and please do not accept being a victim.

[senior citizen]

............

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by senior citizen

I'm very glad you mentioned the old trucks cruising around, etc.
This is what I meant awhile back about the types we saw (non residents) just all over TV.....and that comment was met with disdain; thinking I had alluded to all blue collar workers. NOT. But we did see a lot of seedy looking type individuals / workers / whatever. This thread shows that robberies are indeed POSSIBLE.

Is it also happening in the "older neighborhoods" north of 466?
Or, mainly in the newer, less populated villages....more as a crime of opportunity?
Such as when all the appliances were being taken out of the new homes before residents moved in.

This is VERY rare in a town with over a hundred thousand residents. It is shocking and worrying that these two similar break ins occurred right around the corner from each other. In broad daylight. This most recent home backs up to Bonifay Parking lot. SOMEONE had to know that neither of these people weren't home.

The others that occurred last year were north of 466, again close in proximity and the homes were entered through the sliding glass doors and jewelry and money was stolen and they pawned the jewelry nearby. That person was caught. He was the son of a resident who lived in the vicinity.

Then there were new appliances being stolen from new homes before residents moved in. They too were caught. It was a sub contractor working for one of the building crews who was tipping off his low life buddies. Camera's got their picture and they all are behind bars now.

I am just hoping and waiting for the law enforcement folks to catch these brazen creeps.

[senior citizen]

..........

[2BNTV]

Lynelf:

1. I am so sorry this burgarly happened to you.
2. Lots of good advice on what to do.
3. I'm also sorry you feel a sense of violation that all people feel when their home is invaded.
4. Nothing will stop professional thieves, but stickers might scare away kids and non professionals, who don't want to be bothered.

I personally don't have anything of great value to steal, but one never knows, do they? I cringe at the thought of someone entering my home for evil purposes. On the other hand, I personally, am not going to over-react to buying an alarm system, Professional thieves study, all alarm systems, to disable them, and take what they want. Sadly, they will get in, if they want to.

I personally, would rent a afety deposit box in a bank, to keep whatever valuables I may have, (none), but found it convenient to store paperwork like wills, medial rights to other parties and the deed to my home and all the contracts I signed.

I know several people who have had their homes broken into and the accompanied sense of violation, that comes with it. I wish that in time, you will settle down and be able to be happy in your home again.

[Bogie Shooter]

There is no crime wave........................

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

There is no crime wave........................

But one shaken home owner, and rightfully so. IMHO

I hope the police catch this person, and put him behind bars.