Originally Posted by duffysmom (Post 811376)

Subject: This email came from a Charlotte neighbor, we need to take pay attention

Some of you probably know that we were robbed on Sunday. Yes it did make the newspaper this morning. The purpose of this email is for information and awareness. We left on Sunday at 8:45 AM for church and returned at 10:15. This time frame is not a routine time that we leave every Sunday. We believe that someone was watching on Yarborough on Sunday and waiting for someone to leave. Many neighbors were outside washing cars and walking, so it was not a quiet time. Somewhere in that time frame, our locked front door was kicked in and the thieves came for money and gold jewelry. Our locked safe was in a closet and was no match for a crowbar or some tool of that nature. All closets were rummaged through. Any gold jewelry is gone as well as some cash we had in the safe. Nothing else of value was taken. The police were here within minutes of our call at 10:21. They brought the K9, questioned neighbors, and fingerprinted (very carefully). They were professional and immediate. Because some neighbors saw things out of the ordinary with a strange car parked on Yarborough, the police have a promising lead. We pray that this will lead to an arrest. Thank heaven for alert neighbors and cameras at the gates.

So this is what we have learned and want to share: Your locked front door will not keep them out. A safe is not “safe” against thieves. Our important papers are going to a safety deposit box. Heirloom jewelry that was in it is irreplaceable and should be at the bank as well. Cash should be kept somewhere one wouldn’t think it would be. Think about an alarm, cameras, motion lights, etc. The police have other suggestions that I won’t put in an email.

Our deepest thank you to those of you who gave statements, helped with the door, sent emails, phoned, gave advice, and just came over to give us hugs. We will be busy with a new door and insurance today and checking all accounts in case numbers were stolen. We will not be victims, and are vowing to keep our neighborhood safe from anyone who wishes to come in and violate what we have worked for years to accomplish. If you walk your dogs or walk just for exercise, please take your camera/phone and snap pictures of any car that seems out of place in your immediate neighborhood. We will be talking to young people that we know don’t live in our immediate area (tell your children and grandchildren that we are overly friendly if we talk to them), and we will be vigilant in helping to protect you. Thieves will know that we are watching EVERYONE and may think twice. Hide your valuables or get them out of the house entirely. Get to know your neighbors, the cars they drive, and WATCH. It can’t happen here or to us, just did.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by buggyone (Post 811243)

I think one of the previous posts was excellent.

The sheriff should get all the burglary victims together in a conference room with a chalkboard. The victims would be asked where they shopped before the robbery, services that sent people to their homes, common purchases from common stores. Just find all things that might have a common link and do some Colombo-esque detective work.

This would also allow all the victims to get some closure in talking with the others in a same type of situation - and might resolve any PTSD issues they may have from their experience of having their home violated.

Originally Posted by Golfingnut (Post 811251)

Can you shot to kill if they break in if they are unarmed? At our age I am courteous if fear of life requires the one breaking in to be armed to be a life threatening criminal.

Originally Posted by logdog (Post 811268)

Florida's "stand your ground" law permits residents to employ deadly force if they fear imminent danger.

Originally Posted by gomoho (Post 811271)

So do they have matching prints from any of these locations???

Originally Posted by TVMayor (Post 811289)

How does Met Minton access this information? She makes a phone call, she gets a phone call, the Sheriff sends her an email or does she knows the road to public records thru the net. Answer that question and win a free trip to Brownwood.

Originally Posted by justjim (Post 811311)

It appears 6 in new areas of TV and 3 in "older" Villages---generally speaking this is where the burglaries have recently happen in TV. Just want to remind that there are many hard working good people trying to make a living for their families and we shouldn't "pigeon hole" construction workers as the major suspects in these burglaries. Let the police do their job.

Originally Posted by R2 & T-Rose (Post 811355)

Another thought, and perhaps this has already been mentioned, is the gate camera's and their timestamps? If the burglaries have been identified as happening in a window of time, I would think this technology could provide some clues at the very least.

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter (Post 811585)

Do you also think that the Sheriff's Department also knows about the gate camera's?

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter (Post 811585)

Do you also think that the Sheriff's Department also knows about the gate camera's?

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist (Post 811540)

Joe/2b, your remote can be reprogrammed. I have instructions how to do it...
K.

Originally Posted by kstew43 (Post 811618)

when my daughter had someone try to break into her apartment, but since she was home he fled, we saw just how easy it was to push on a door.

We found Door Jam Armor in Lowes. It was $90. You have it installed or just do it yourself, while metal strips go around the door jam, the door it self and around the handle of the doorknob and dead bolt. It included 8 inch screws that went thru the metal plate. It can clearly be seen from the outside warpping round the door knobs. we chose not to paint it the same as the door color so that prowlers will know it is inplace and might move on.

So far, so good. Here at our home, the previous owner was a cop and I suppose knew a little something more than the builder we are the only ones in the neighborhood who has doors that open out. Cannot be pushed in.

So for $90 and some installation time, Armor Jam could be a deterent for the bad guy to move on.