Someone broke into my garage.

[Chako]

I got home yesterday at 7:30 PM, only to see that my garage door was left open. I got out of my vehicle and with my heart in my throat, went to check it out. I was hoping the guy was still in there to be honest. When I got to the garage, there was of course nobody in there, but they had pried open and broken both door's hasps with a screwdriver/pry bar. I took a quick peek to see that my motorcycle was still there. Whew!

I called the police. They didn't show up until 10:30.     

I eventually got tired of waiting for the police to show up, and went in to assess the damage. I looked long and hard. I could see where they went through my tools, and other items....but for the life of me, I could not see anything removed or stolen. 

Anyways, the police did show up while my friend and I were in the process of jury rigging new locks on the doors as a makeshift solution. I told the Johnny come lateley's that noting appeared to be stolen. We all said weird in the same breath.

So who spends time to break into my side shed first, realizing they couldn't get into the proper garage from the side door that is bolted on the other side, break into the main garage, and then just look through things and not take a thing? I told them possibly they scoped the place out and might be planning to come back later. Who knows. they didn't seem to think that might be the case.

My neighbours didn't see or hear a thing. However, one of them did tell me there was a pack of kids playing hid and seek in the neighbourhood. She figures it might be some of them. In that case, my only guess on that is that they were looking for something awfully specific. Possibly a drug stash or something. I am only guessing. It certainly wasn't tools.

At work today, I am going to phone a locksmith and/or alarm folks and see what can be done to prevent this heart attack inducing event in the future.

 

[nuphoria]

That's not good at all Dan. 

You got an alarm system on your property? Maybe an extra deterrent is needed.

[airballrad]

I almost had a heart attack just reading the thread Subject.

You should acquire some live cobras and leave them running around in there for security.

(Don't really do this, even if you could get them.)

[dks]

 If you are looking for suspects....then, well,  several people here are envious of your collection.
..   
Look after your collection, for all of us here.

[Pacu]

As soon as my dad put in a back doggy door for moms elderly min-pin some kids climbed into their house. Stole their portable dvd player, a bucket of change...but were in the process of trying to get the gun safe opened. Parents came home during..kids made a quick exit out the other front door on the east side of the house. Now dad has an epic gun safe bolted to the floor, house is wired..every window, door, even the attic.

glad everything is accounted for Chako

[sawman]

They say there's safety in numbers ... but I just don't see it these days.  We're all susceptible to crime, it's just a matter of when your number is up it seems 

I've known too many people who've had break-ins to feel safe when I leave the house.  And the shame is, I actually worry more about my pets getting out than the things that can be replaced that may get stolen.  A crook doesn't give a smurf though.

[Pacu]

i always had a fear of thieves busting my tanks on the way out the door.Hundred of gallons of water on the floor.  Linus (my beagle) sounds like a werewolf so he might scare the timid off...

course every good ole boy down in the south looks forward to the day he can catch someone breaking into his vehicle/house.

[Zed]

Glad nothing was stolen mate,i look out at my shed every morning to make sure its still locked, all of my bikes are attached to the shed with a huge motorcycle lock so they would have trouble taking them but my tools are there for the taking and some ive hade for 30 odd years , i would be gutted, i think on this note im going to beef up my locks etc   

[Sazabi]

That's one reason why I'm always hesitant when I get another knife or multitool; I have to ask myself if it'd still be there should my storage place be broken into. :/  Hell, it's the same way with my complete Firefox collection, too. 

[Zed]

That's one reason why I'm always hesitant when I get another knife or multitool; I have to ask myself if it'd still be there should my storage place be broken into. :/  Hell, it's the same way with my complete Firefox collection, too. 

I dont have a massive collection but i hid them away in not so obvious places, i do the same with the few watches i own, hidden and not on display 

[Beerplumber]

This just happened to my parents as well.  Same thing, door open nothing missing, my quad didn't move.  However the neighbors house got hit the same night and they are out a quad, a weedeater and some other things.  Poopy. Guess I'm lucky the thieves are not yamaha fans.

[Sazabi]

That's one reason why I'm always hesitant when I get another knife or multitool; I have to ask myself if it'd still be there should my storage place be broken into. :/  Hell, it's the same way with my complete Firefox collection, too. 

I dont have a massive collection but i hid them away in not so obvious places, i do the same with the few watches i own, hidden and not on display 

My watches are locked away in a couple ton safe.   I don't think they're going anywhere.  But my other items can't be stored there due to humidity issues that we can't control, even with silica gel.

[cerbera147]

Sorry to hear that Daniel 

I shall also say 'weird'  Could your house have been a case of mistaken identity? If nothing else it's given you and everyone reading this a chance to beef up security 

I often wonder would a burglar would think if he picked up a Leatherman Damascus Wave. He'd probably just toss it aside like an old pair of pliers  Of course it all depends how it was found and what if but even then would he recognise it as something of value? 

I am very security conscious but could be much better. I'm hoping as Charlie [see below] grows that he'll pitch in where needed 

[Chain Gang]

This is how we do it in the South:

REDNECK HOME SECURITY SYSTEM:

1. Buy a pair of size 14-16 work boots.
2. Put them on front porch with a copy of Guns & Ammo.
3. Put some giant dog dishes next to boots & magazines.
4. Leave note on door: "Bubba: Me & Bertha went for more ammo & beer. Back soon. Don't mess with the pit bulls; they messed the mailman up bad this morning. I don't think Killer took part; hard to tell from all the blood. I locked all four of 'em in the house. Better wait outside. Be right back. ~ Cooter

[AimlessWanderer]

Sorry to hear that Daniel 

I shall also say 'weird'  Could your house have been a case of mistaken identity? If nothing else it's given you and everyone reading this a chance to beef up security 

I often wonder would a burglar would think if he picked up a Leatherman Damascus Wave. He'd probably just toss it aside like an old pair of pliers  Of course it all depends how it was found and what if but even then would he recognise it as something of value? 

I am very security conscious but could be much better. I'm hoping as Charlie [see below] grows that he'll pitch in where needed 
(Image removed from quote.)

As it stands now, he'd probably disarm and debilitate them with his cuteness 

Sorry to hear about the rough ride Chako - that was a close call. Hope you get everything squared up quickly and the scroats that did it get their collar felt very soon.

[ATF628]

I've heard of people bringing their kids into a neighborhood to play when they're actually being used to distract neighbors so the burglars can do their stuff.

[Ashley]

When I first read title and who posted thread I was like oh hell no. ..................

My security system is below. Have full access to all of house and I have no garage.









Meanest of the bunch is the last one and he DOES bite. Snappy little biting machine.

[captain spaulding]

WOW. Sorry to hear you got broken into, but it is great to hear nothing is missing. Maybe its time for you to think about investing in a gun safe?

Here is my security guard. Shes a sweet heart, until you come in when i'm not home.

[Gareth]

Sorry to hear it mate, though I'm very glad there's nothing gone.

This is how we do it in the South:

REDNECK HOME SECURITY SYSTEM:

1. Buy a pair of size 14-16 work boots.
2. Put them on front porch with a copy of Guns & Ammo.
3. Put some giant dog dishes next to boots & magazines.
4. Leave note on door: "Bubba: Me & Bertha went for more ammo & beer. Back soon. Don't mess with the pit bulls; they messed the mailman up bad this morning. I don't think Killer took part; hard to tell from all the blood. I locked all four of 'em in the house. Better wait outside. Be right back. ~ Cooter

I like it!

[ryan1835]

when i get a place of my own ill be fitting an alarm system, partly because we have our own electronic security branch at work which mean i can get of them to do it a bit cheaper for me .

Fingers crossed they find the culprits! and i hope nothing was taken

[captain spaulding]

Sorry to hear it mate, though I'm very glad there's nothing gone.

This is how we do it in the South:

REDNECK HOME SECURITY SYSTEM:

1. Buy a pair of size 14-16 work boots.
2. Put them on front porch with a copy of Guns & Ammo.
3. Put some giant dog dishes next to boots & magazines.
4. Leave note on door: "Bubba: Me & Bertha went for more ammo & beer. Back soon. Don't mess with the pit bulls; they messed the mailman up bad this morning. I don't think Killer took part; hard to tell from all the blood. I locked all four of 'em in the house. Better wait outside. Be right back. ~ Cooter

I like it!

 

AWESOME!!!!!!

[Craig]

Glad your OK and nothing was taken Dan

[AHB]

Sorry to hear Dan, but I'm glad you didn't loose anything.. 

[jekostas]

Possibly a drug stash or something. I am only guessing. It certainly wasn't tools.

Thank goodness they didn't find your drug stash, huh?

I mean...

[captain spaulding]

Possibly a drug stash or something. I am only guessing. It certainly wasn't tools.

Thank goodness they didn't find your drug stash, huh?

I mean...

Yea that would of been a bummer.     

[Chako]

During work today, I called a locksmith and he should be coming sometime today to install dead bolts and what not to make it more secure. After that, I am thinking of installing some sort of alarm system.

[captain spaulding]

During work today, I called a locksmith and he should be coming sometime today to install dead bolts and what not to make it more secure. After that, I am thinking of installing some sort of alarm system.

Great idea. What you can also do for another line of defense is a simple 2X4. You mount hooks on each side of the door into the other 2X4's in the wall. lay a 2X4 across your door and laying in both the hooks and your good to go. It is a very simple and effective way of keeping people from coming in.

Just to be clear i'm not talking about nailing boards across your door like its some sort of Zombie apocalypse. 

[frugalscotty]

I heard a news story recently that some thieves are breaking into places looking specifically for gold and silver items due to the recent price increase of these precious metals. Often they will completely bypass the usual steal-able things like computers, cameras, and other electronics because the gold/silver is so easily sold now days.

Hopefully none of your property was taken, but as I recently found out it isn't always easy to notice what is gone. One night we foolishly forgot to close the garage door. Looking around, I didn't immediately see anything missing. Only when it was time to mow the yard and couldn't find the gas can did I realize that was stolen. Who knows if anything else is missing? I won't know until I go to put my hand on that certain something that isn't there any more.

[Chako]

Well waiting for the locksmith. I am beginning to think he is not showing up and that I am wasting my time waiting for him. He hasn't answered two phone calls either. 

[captain spaulding]

Well waiting for the locksmith. I am beginning to think he is not showing up and that I am wasting my time waiting for him. He hasn't answered two phone calls either. 

Well that's just unprofessional of him.

Another idea for you to consider is a reinforcement plate. Its easy to install and effective.