Burglary

We had a burglary Saturday morning. Our house has casement windows and they pried one open in the MBR to break the tongue on the lock. They took vintage and some designer jewelry which I rarely wear from three drawers, including 2 of the drawers.

We have interior alarms. According to the alarm, they were in my house less than 2 min.
According to the police, burglars are looking for cash, jewelry, and guns which can be converted to cash quickly.

I'm trying to remember exactly what was in the drawers.My suggestion is that you photograph your drawers so you at least know what you have.

The damage is probably more than the items taken since we'll probably have to replace the entire window and have new drawers made. Many of these items had sentimental value even though they were not real expensive.

All in all, it could have been worse; I entered the back door and turned off the alarm before they exited the back door. I was rattled but not hurt.

 

How horrible. A good suggestion to photograph expensive belongings

 

I'm so sorry to hear this Claire. The important thing is that you're safe!

I've been burglarized and it's such a hurtful experience.

 

You should photo everything--not just expensive. Little things count up.
Thank you for commiserating!

 

So sorry to hear this, Claire! I am so grateful you were not physically hurt the way people have lost their minds these days! STUFF can be replaced, people can't!

 

Claire, so very sorry to hear about this. At least you are safe.

 

So sorry to hear of your home invasion. It is a major violation of not only your property but of your peace of mind.
Thanks for reminding us of the need for photos.

 

Linn, they exited the front door as I entered the back.
I'm making several changes. We live on a corner and the drive and back door are on the side street. I've always gone around the block on the back side of the house; my husband takes the front. It I had taken the front, I might have seen them leave.

We have a motion detector in the MBR, but the room rambles so I am adding another. We don't like to leave the dogs out at night because of the coyotes; they can stay in the kitchen. There isn't a lot to steal in the kitchen except my new fry pan.

We've lived in this house since 1976. About 20 years ago, some of my sterling flatware was stolen--probably by someone working in the house. Otherwise, I've always left the laundry room and guest house unlocked with no problems. The police think it was homeless/drug related. The alarm company thinks it might be someone who knew the house.

Thanks to all for your notes and thoughts.
C

 

That is so scary- I m sorry this happened!

 

Photographing everything is a necessary part of the job at the museum, and one that I try to keep up with, even if it's a lousy photo. We had a theft shortly after moving into our current space back in 2015. The landlady hired a contractor to do work on the building and he was one of those annoying pious Christians (long story...) Anyway, one of his jobs was to put locks on all the storage room doors, which he did while we were out of town for a few days. Months later I realized that a 1930s Deco enamel compact and a necklace and earring set from the 1950s by Boucheron were missing, and it took me a while to realize the only explanation was that someone from his crew must have taken them. I found out later that he hired guys from halfway homes, which is very nice but when they are recovering drug addicts they aren't trustworthy. Anyway, the landlady told me just recently that he had fired someone from his crew for stealing around that time. I wish I knew that at the time... Anyway, the moral of this story is that the compact was photographed, but the Boucheron set was not and so I didn't bother even trying to get an insurance payout.

 

Claire, how awful, that this happened to you! It's horrible to feel invaded in your own home.

I don't have any truly valuable stuff, but I love the costume jewelry that I have collected over the years, or received as gifts form loved ones. Losing it would indeed be sad--I'm so sorry that the thieves got your collection. Good luck with the damage repair, and the security improvements.

It is certainly good advice, about photographing everything. Although, I've always wondered if my insurance company would believe my valuation of vintage "junk", i.e. costume jewelry--they would probably have no idea what it is worth.

 

Claire, I always joke that I leave the doors to my house unlocked, hoping someone will come in and steal things so I won’t have to pick them up and find a place to put them. After reading your sad story my joke isn’t funny anymore.

Your advice to photograph everything has given me an important project — for the next couple of years! First, though, I will have to pick up and put away...

So very sorry for your alarming experience, but very relieved you are all OK.

 

Lynne,
Just photo them where they are. Thanks to all for the notes.
I've been looking at museum stores and vintage sites to jog my memory about items that were taken.
I'm really annoyed, they stole by belly dancer necklace. I'd never worn it but I hadn't discarded the idea. C