Is there any truth in that if you're burgled once, it's likely to happen again?

Question

We had the unfortunate experience that we were burgled a week before Christmas and everything was stolen, including all presents. I am still so shocked and haven't slept well at all. I do now wonder if I should move out of the area.

When I say move out of the area, I mean London.

The worst thing about it was, my neighbour opposite, saw 2 boys hanging about but told police she was too 'scared' to phone the police when the did door-to-door enquiries.

Answer 1

mostly all great answers so far. and yes you are likely to be robbed again within a few months.
one simple thing to do in addition to beefing up your alarm system and locking all your doors and windows when you go out. is to get and close venetion blinds day and night then the opertunist burglar will not risk attacking your home as they will not know if anyone is in or not and they think twice about even approaching your home. better still is to leave a radio playing as well as leaving the blinds closed if they can hear the radio and see blind closed the chances are your house will be safe (not a guarantee but a good chance).

i have blinds in a closed position day and night they let enough light in while keeping prying eyes out and hence keep your property that little bit safer, i also let it slip just after i moved in that i'm at home at least 95% of the time thus once word spreads that a house is occupied most of the time your chances of being robbed are reduced.

also for added security if and when you buy new boxed goods like a tv or computer etc, you do not leave the boxes in the street for the recycling or trash collection you take them to your nearest refuse tip (whatever it is refered to in your local area) and make sure you are not followed from the tip to your home (another tactic some thiefs use).
just think carefully and think like a thief about your home security and think what would put you off approaching a house. maybe a sticker in the window stating CCTV remotly monitored for example or the security alarm remote monitored.

there are a lot of things you can do to enhance your home security. the only thing you can't do legally is cement broken glass or barbed wire on the perimiter fencing.
if you do put up that type of deterent and someone cuts themselves you could be prosecuted not the person for trespassing on your property but you for protecting your home.
think about it, and how absurd that is.
the royals and downing street have railings with spikes but you put up something that does the same job and you are liable for prosecution, time the law was changed i think don't you?

Answer 2

When we were robbed a few years back, we were told by both the police and a friend who was a private investigator that the very people who robbed you the first time could well come back a few weeks later. Why? Because they assume you have replaced everything they stole with brand new stuff. They already know the layout of your house. We got a house security system almost immediately and about two weeks later, someone tried to hit us again. The system scared them off.

Answer 3

Happened to me as well and I understood what people say about feelling 'violated'.
To answer your question I think the answer not clear cut.
It is less likely to happen again because most people who get burgled invest in greater security for their homes. Also less likely as you have 'used up your bad luck' and the people who did it might not come back as there's nothing left to nick.
Things that make it more likely is the fact that since it happened once it means that crime rates in your area might be higher than other areas. So it is more likely than in other areas.
In terms of moving, that is up to you, but it's a big deal so don't do it as a spur of the moment thing. Give yourself a chance to get over this and be thinking clearly.

Answer 4

Statistically if you have been burgled 1 in 11 homes will be burgled again within one year. Best to get a monitored alarm system. Connects to a receiving station and then they contact the police. Dont know what area you are in but good company in Watford....Alarms UK 01923 256 300

Answer 5

Having expert education in battling would not replace the expenses, it somewhat is an city delusion. Your boyfriend stole the adult men nutrition, rancid or not, it did not belong on your boyfriend so he had no ideal to get rid of it. Your boyfriend assaulted the guy and could be charged with attack to boot to theft. The degree of attack will count on the quantity of injuries the guy gained. no possible attack yet somebody else as a results of fact they do unlike what that individual is asserting. in the event that they'd, each and every physique could be beating on each and every physique else each and all of the time.

Answer 6

If the perpetrator believes your home is an easy target, then he or she is likely to strike again, or such information would be passed onto other criminals. If there is a high frequency of break-and-enter in your neighourhood, I would strongly urge you consider moving. There is nothing worse than feeling insecure in your own home.

Answer 7

we got robbed a few months ago i was asllep breastfeeding my daughter on the settee at the time and they robbed around us.
you need to make all areas secure doors windows, garden lights etc. it is disgusting what they do and they often get away with it. the police should be able to advise you on how to secure your home.
x

Answer 8

Yes, they wait six months for you to replace goods taken with your insurance, then they come again. The best method of attack is defence, Get a burglar Alarm. that will dissuade them and make it hard for them to brake in. Also leave lights on at night!

Answer 9

I'd like to see the scumbags get past my doberman pinschers this time.

Answer 10

if you were targeted once "there must have been a reason" (why you and not someone else) re/think your security or habits when away from home :::: ie is it noticable you are away/out