Home burglarized while I was camping

I'm sorry to hear that! I always worry about that happening, since we park our camper on the side of the house, so if it's gone, then it's pretty obvious we are on vacation to anybody who sees our house on a regular basis. Will be glad when we can build an outbuilding in a few years so it's not so obvious.

So some random person who just happened to drive by and luckily hit just when that person was gone from the house? I have seen it many times and just dont buy it.

It happened to me, many years ago. There was one person in the house and he left to get some lunch. By the time he got back, the thieves had struck.

These burglars aren't dumb (some of them). They will case the place and know when it is empty. Even with an alarm system and adequate police personnel on duty, they can be in and out before anyone responds. Cameras aid in deterrence and capture of the thieves but the recovery of lost property may/may not be successful. The stolen goods can be sold or traded a few times within a short time.

Sorry to hear one of our members was hit. Hopefully, there is a good outcome.

Security isn't as simple as 'get this' or 'buy that'. Good security comes in layers, first you have to be able to evaluate the risks and know how to reduce them to a level that you are comfortable with.

I would strongly recommend NOT jumping into purchasing anything right now, you are sadly in a position for security companies to take advantage of you.. and they will.. with 'free installation' that have long term contracts with huge exit costs.

If you think a security system would be appropriate, I would recommend doing some research. Most of the 'free install' security companies are 'installing' GE Simon systems with wireless sensors.. AND THEY WILL LIKELY leave the default service codes. You can purchase one of these systems and install yourself and set it up to call you/friends/neighbors. At the least do some research so you know what they cost, what it takes to install, how to check the default codes (there are several)..etc...

As far as security cameras I would avoid anything that locks you into an 'ecosphere', such as nest or vivint. Their is no reason to get locked in, plenty of options that are using open standards.

fla-gypsy,

Really sorry to hear of your loss.
I hate thieves!
Unless one has been thru it it is hard to describe the feeling of being 'violated'

Jewelry....might turn up at a pawn shop
But doubt that the revolver will ever be seen again.
It will be traded for drugs then sold hand to hand
But police might recover if used in crime.

Again.....sorry!

fla-gypsy wrote:
I was burglarized while off camping for a week. While enjoying the beautiful beaches of the Florida panhandle I was hit. The Tv's and stuff like that are easy enough to replace but the heirloom jewelry and antique .38 special police service revolver of my grandfather were priceless to me. There was someone staying at my house during the time but had went out on an errand for less than an hour. I had no photos of the jewelry so little chance any will be recovered but the serial number of the gun is in the hands of the police. Hopefully it will turn up. Just a reminder to all to document your belongings if they're irreplaceable. The police were thorough in collecting evidence so they may be identified at some point. Loss will be close to $9k.

Not saying the OP did this or has done anything to promote the burglary but as much as I would like to share my adventures with others this is why I never post on social media "hey look at me, I'm on vacation somewhere". Maybe it's being paranoid but I just don't trust that information won't get into the wrong hands. Living in the country with my nearest neighbor 1/2 mile away makes it even worse. A burglar could literally live there for week and probably no one would be the wiser.

We got hit back in May while we were on a simple overnighter. Learned a lot of lessons from that. Been kicking myself in the ass ever since.

SIL is a cop. Let your local dept know you are gone. Some depts have a vacation list they give to the patrol units, keeping an extra eye on your home.

Man I hate that for you.

My neighbor installed a DVR and 4 camera security system he bought online and has a mobile app so he can see it from his phone. He hid the DVR under the attic flooring so that if someone went for it valuable time would be taken from the escape plan of the thieves, they want to get away quick. I plan to do the same soon.

It is sad that the world is coming to this. When I grew up we did not even have house keys, never locked it but not that way anymore.

Chris

I appreciate the comments on security measures. It had nothing to do with the occupant, that I'm certain of. The police have the serial number of the revolver, it may turn up somewhere.

So sorry to hear that! It's such an awful feeling. :( Hope you're able to get at least some of the heirloom stuff back.

Not saying the OP did this or has done anything to promote the burglary but as much as I would like to share my adventures with others this is why I never post on social media "hey look at me, I'm on vacation somewhere". Maybe it's being paranoid but I just don't trust that information won't get into the wrong hands.

Ditto. (Not implying the OP did this, just a general warning. I see it too often on social media.)