[Michael G.]

We have a good friend in Stonecrest subdivision that had her house broken into with $$$$ and valuables stolen.
She came home after being gone for a couple days Sunday morning and found this mess.

Beware, they're out there

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

We have a good friend in Stonecrest subdivision that had her house broken into with $$$$ and valuables stolen.
She came home after being gone for a couple days Sunday morning and found this mess.

Beware, they're out there

Good to know. We're targets, and not just for scams.

I recall an incident some twenty-odd years ago. My wife and I had just purchased a house in Minnesota and one Saturday morning, a gentleman knocked on the door. My wife came and got me from the garden to talk to the gentleman. Turns out that he was representing a home security alarm company and was in the neighborhood trying to peddle his system. As a new homeowner we were eligible for a 50% discount, system and installation. Only kicker was that it had to be done today.

I looked at him and said slowly: I have security. .38 caliber security. My wife, too.

He turned, walked quickly back to his van, and took off without another word.

Sometimes being able to protect yourself is the way to go.

[Babubhat]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

We have a good friend in Stonecrest subdivision that had her house broken into with $$$$ and valuables stolen.
She came home after being gone for a couple days Sunday morning and found this mess.

Beware, they're out there

Wyze security system camera inexpensive

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

Good to know. We're targets, and not just for scams.

I recall an incident some twenty-odd years ago. My wife and I had just purchased a house in Minnesota and one Saturday morning, a gentleman knocked on the door. My wife came and got me from the garden to talk to the gentleman. Turns out that he was representing a home security alarm company and was in the neighborhood trying to peddle his system. As a new homeowner we were eligible for a 50% discount, system and installation. Only kicker was that it had to be done today.

I looked at him and said slowly: I have security. .38 caliber security. My wife, too.

He turned, walked quickly back to his van, and took off without another word.

Sometimes being able to protect yourself is the way to go.

How does this work if you are gone for a few days?

[Bay Kid]

Ring camera

[Joe Mack]

This is a surprise to read. I've bought a home and will be moving down next week. Hadn't even thought of needing a security system in the Villages.

[davem4616]

Originally Posted by Joe Mack

This is a surprise to read. I've bought a home and will be moving down next week. Hadn't even thought of needing a security system in the Villages.

StoneCrest is outside and north of The Villages

Crime in The Villages itself seems to be extremely low

[jswirs]

Originally Posted by davem4616

StoneCrest is outside and north of The Villages

Crime in The Villages itself seems to be extremely low

Not what I hear on social media. Many folks in the villages have told stories of cars being broken into, some folks have said they can't leave any garden tools out on their lawn for fear of them being taken. One story was that someone in TV was working on their lawn, left the tools out on the lawn, (not by the curb), only to find the tools missing when he came back after finishing his lunch. Just what I have read.....

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by jswirs

Not what I hear on social media. Many folks in the villages have told stories of cars being broken into, some folks have said they can't leave any garden tools out on their lawn for fear of them being taken. One story was that someone in TV was working on their lawn, left the tools out on the lawn, (not by the curb), only to find the tools missing when he came back after finishing his lunch. Just what I have read.....

Sorry relying on social media to get info is never a priority for what actually happens, for me. What’s posted from sheriffs office is what source I use.

Poor Man down the street told everyone all of his tools were stolen from his garage. In reality his wife sold them, due to his failing health, and couple of mishaps, that hospital visits were required

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

How does this work if you are gone for a few days?

My wife and I are rarely gone together for more than a few hours, and never at night, so to be honest I don't worry about it much.

My brother has a good method though. Hang one of those human silhouette targets on the inside of his screen door. With about 20 bullet holes in it. or a motion sensor that sets off a recording of a VERY large growling dog.

I do know a guy though, Joe, (352) 391 2894, who runs a transportation/house watching service. He's ex - law enforcement so he knows his stuff. If we're planning on being gone for a period of time I'd certainly call him and set something up.

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by jswirs

Not what I hear on social media. Many folks in the villages have told stories of cars being broken into, some folks have said they can't leave any garden tools out on their lawn for fear of them being taken. One story was that someone in TV was working on their lawn, left the tools out on the lawn, (not by the curb), only to find the tools missing when he came back after finishing his lunch. Just what I have read.....

In our neighborhood it is relatively common, if you have some stuff that is still usable but you don't want to go through the rigmarole of advertising and selling it, to leave it on your lawn by the edge of the street, usually the afternoon before the garbage is picked up. Apparently there are people who drive around and look for that sort of thing. My new printer gets here on Wednesday so I plan on doing that very thing with the old one.

My thought is that thieves as a rule probably don't steal things like lawn and garden tools, though I am sure there are exceptions. Hand lawn and gardening tools aren't worth much unless you plan on using them and my thought is that thieves steal things so they DON'T have to work. Maybe the tools were seen and the assumption was made that they were left out there free for the taking.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

In our neighborhood it is relatively common, if you have some stuff that is still usable but you don't want to go through the rigmarole of advertising and selling it, to leave it on your lawn by the edge of the street, usually the afternoon before the garbage is picked up. Apparently there are people who drive around and look for that sort of thing. My new printer gets here on Wednesday so I plan on doing that very thing with the old one.

My thought is that thieves as a rule probably don't steal things like lawn and garden tools, though I am sure there are exceptions. Hand lawn and gardening tools aren't worth much unless you plan on using them and my thought is that thieves steal things so they DON'T have to work. Maybe the tools were seen and the assumption was made that they were left out there free for the taking.

Very often people put out stuff by the curb of some value that they do not want anymore the day before garbage pickup and the logical assumption is it is free for the taking.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by jswirs

Not what I hear on social media. Many folks in the villages have told stories of cars being broken into, some folks have said they can't leave any garden tools out on their lawn for fear of them being taken. One story was that someone in TV was working on their lawn, left the tools out on the lawn, (not by the curb), only to find the tools missing when he came back after finishing his lunch. Just what I have read.....

“What I hear”
“Told stories”
“ some folks have said “
“One story “
Whole lot of hearsay rumors…………

[Velvet]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

Good to know. We're targets, and not just for scams.

I recall an incident some twenty-odd years ago. My wife and I had just purchased a house in Minnesota and one Saturday morning, a gentleman knocked on the door. My wife came and got me from the garden to talk to the gentleman. Turns out that he was representing a home security alarm company and was in the neighborhood trying to peddle his system. As a new homeowner we were eligible for a 50% discount, system and installation. Only kicker was that it had to be done today.

I looked at him and said slowly: I have security. .38 caliber security. My wife, too.

He turned, walked quickly back to his van, and took off without another word.

Sometimes being able to protect yourself is the way to go.

Doesn’t help when you’re not home. Before we bought I studied the rate and type of crime in the various areas. I am surprised about Stonecrest, but only a little. I hope the people involved had excellent insurance.

[Michael G.]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Very often people put out stuff by the curb of some value that they do not want anymore the day before garbage pickup and the logical assumption is it is free for the taking.

Funny story about this:

Someone had a wooden desk at the curb marked "Free".
It sat there for days
Next, he attached a price of $50.
I was gone by morning.