Update - Crooks caught - Thanks to forum member

[2bits]

I think having the alarm is a good idea, I think monitoring is a waste of time. I haven't used a land line in 15 years too. I loud alarm (or a big dog) is a good deterrent.

[TPMcGinty]

As much as I don't like them, I may take a look at security system (alarm only, no monitoring) and/or a home brew cctv setup tied into our home network.

Tom

Tom, I have a Motorola Homesight security system that has two cameras that have motion detectors. When they detect motion, they send a signal to my computer and it records 15 seconds worth of video. Nice way to catch the bad guys (as long as they don't steal my computer). It also has a door sensor that I have set up to turn on my living room lights when the door is opened, hopefully scaring away the bad guy. I also can connect to my computer via the internet to check up on my dog when I'm not home. I have one of the cameras on his dog bed. I didn't sign up for the monthly monitoring service but it's nice to see what's going on at my place. Here's a link to a sight that is selling a system with one year free home monitoring service:

http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Shop/Home-Monitor/Motorola-Homesight/


I also bought a Skylink security system, with auto dialer, for my parent's house. If someone or something sets off a sensor the dialer dials my cell phone and sends me a pre-recorded message that something is wrong. They have door sensors, a flooding sensor, and a temperature sensor (high and low temp) set up on it for when they are gone to Arizona for the winter. No monthly security service required. This system is a little cheaper than the Homesight system. Here's where you can check this one out:



http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Shop/Security/Skylink/

[Todah Tear]

Sounds like some poor down on his luck fellow who just desperatly wants to build a teardrop... I went thru it once turned out to be a "friend" of my Daughters who needed some quick money. Makes you feel violated when it happens. I am real sorry.
Bob

My first impression when I read your list was that it probably was someone who knew your or has passed your house frequently and seen you using those tools or seen them in your garage.

Either way, I am sorry for your loss. I have my Drill, Dremel, jig, sander, and such on a peg board. The other week, I glanced over at them and thought, " You know, you've got these ways too conveniently mounted for someone who might want to steal them. " But what can you do; keep your doors locked and your garage door closed when you aren't in it. ...a thief is a thief and he'll/she'll find a way to get is wanted.

Todah

[packerz4]

that just isn't nice. they will get their due... KARMA BABY!

i think i'll start locking my garage/shop... just gotta find a key for it.

i grew up in an area where we left said garage unlocked in case a neighbor needs to borrow something.

tam

[KDOG]

Argh. This kinda thing gets my blood boiling. I just want to go Jack Baur on people like that. Seriously. I know there might be some "bleeding hearts" out there who disagree with me, but I still say we are WAY too soft on criminals. (We've become too soft as a nation really, but thats' another topic). I think theives (after their trial) should have a hand cut off, and I'm dead serious. At least a finger or two. I'd bet a paycheck or two they'd never steal again. I could go on and on about this issue but I won't.

I'm sorry about your loss of property, but more so your loss of security. Invest in something.

[Joanne]

My thoughts go out to you! About 6 weeks ago someone got into our garage and got about $1k worth of tools. Insurance paid about 50% (after deductible). I replaced my drill and 4" grinder. The jigsaw will wait till later.

I don't understand how people can justify stealing. I have no doubt that who ever took it would be furious if someone stole his stuff, but it's ok for him to steal mine. arghhh

Joanne

[Todah Tear]

We just need to be on our guard more than ever because people are getting really desparate for money. I feel for anyone who wants to support their family, but can't do so because they don't have a job or another "legal" means of earning a living...but I do think that the law is too soft. Someone might break into a car or a house out of desparation and only find $3 dollars worth of change, but end up doing $2000 worth of damage or worse injure an occupant.

Todah

[CAJUN LADY]

As much as I don't like them, I may take a look at security system (alarm only, no monitoring) and/or a home brew cctv setup tied into our home network.

Tom

Tom, I have a Motorola Homesight security system that has two cameras that have motion detectors. When they detect motion, they send a signal to my computer and it records 15 seconds worth of video. Nice way to catch the bad guys (as long as they don't steal my computer). It also has a door sensor that I have set up to turn on my living room lights when the door is opened, hopefully scaring away the bad guy. I also can connect to my computer via the internet to check up on my dog when I'm not home. I have one of the cameras on his dog bed. I didn't sign up for the monthly monitoring service but it's nice to see what's going on at my place. Here's a link to a sight that is selling a system with one year free home monitoring service:

http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Shop/Home-Monitor/Motorola-Homesight/


I also bought a Skylink security system, with auto dialer, for my parent's house. If someone or something sets off a sensor the dialer dials my cell phone and sends me a pre-recorded message that something is wrong. They have door sensors, a flooding sensor, and a temperature sensor (high and low temp) set up on it for when they are gone to Arizona for the winter. No monthly security service required. This system is a little cheaper than the Homesight system. Here's where you can check this one out:



http://www.smarthomeusa.com/Shop/Security/Skylink/

I just sent this link to my husband. I like the idea that you can monitor your home from your work computer.

[CAJUN LADY]

This afternoon my wife called me at work. Some jerk had broken into our house. The good news is that no one was hurt. The front door has to be replaced, but the rest of the house is okay.

Not much was taken, but most of what was stolen were my woodworking tools that I had acquired over about five years and stuff for our teardrop. Here's the list I've come up with so far:

PC biscuit joiner
PC brad nailer
PC pin nailer
Milwaukee framing nailer
Kreg master pocket hole kit
HF trim router
HF angle grinder
New in the box Toshiba 19" LCD TV that I had bought for the teardrop.

Thanks for letting me vent! I will be back.

Gig'em
Tom

Tom,
Sorry to hear about your losses. Hubby and I were just talking last night about being more careful right now. We haven't been hit in our neighborhood in awhile but you just never know.

[2bits]

Hey Tom,

If you need anything let me know, I am in a standstill right now until I get some cash flow so I am glad to lend time and tools if needed. I have seemed to have misplaced my sawzall though

[aggie79]

My thoughts go out to you! About 6 weeks ago someone got into our garage and got about $1k worth of tools. Insurance paid about 50% (after deductible). I replaced my drill and 4" grinder. The jigsaw will wait till later.

I don't understand how people can justify stealing. I have no doubt that who ever took it would be furious if someone stole his stuff, but it's ok for him to steal mine. arghhh

Joanne

Thanks for your kind thoughts, Joanne.

This was one of those hit and run robberies. The good news is that they only took the tools in the house. (Haven't gotten around to making storage cabinets for them yet in the garage.) They didn't touch any of the tools I use in the garage.

[aggie79]

Hey Tom,

If you need anything let me know, I am in a standstill right now until I get some cash flow so I am glad to lend time and tools if needed. I have seemed to have misplaced my sawzall though

Thanks for the offer Thomas. Right now, I too am in the cash flow building mode (saving money to buy steel for the trailer and getting it fabbed.) If the insurance company doesn't come through, I'll probably be giving you a call.

[2bits]

That's cool, I totally understand that. I got mine from Eagle steel the first time, and Garland Steel the second time, the whole steel purchase was $110 and the Dexter Axle was $175

[aggie79]

Thanks to a fellow member of this forum, the police got the bad guys and some of our stuff has been recovered.

The day I posted my rant about our house being broken into, I was contacted by PM by a fellow member of the board. We live in the same area and had previously conversed by PM, but had never met each other. His latest PM stated he was on the police force in a different city, but he would he would run a trace of local pawn shops if I sent him a list of items stolen. The next day, he PM'd me again saying that he had located some of my tools at a pawnshop, and said to give him a call.

I called, and he said that the person that pawned my stuff had a Fort Worth address from the drivers license he gave to the pawnshop. He told me that he had contacted the police in my city. Together, they contacted Fort Worth police, and the FW police said they had picked up these people.

[aggie79]

I did recover my television and camera. Most of the tools are in a pawnshop near my home, but since I didn't keep a record of the serial numbers, these can't be recovered. I can wait 30 days and purchase them back, but I'm letting my insurance company handle that.

I would say who the fellow member is; however, I want to respect his privacy. Many thanks again to this fellow teardrop enthusiast!

Tom