We have just been burgled and are completely devastated - anyone know how to cope -will the burglars return?

Question

Thankyou all for your advice and sympathy . There really are decent people out there

Answer 1

Contact that show It Takes A Thief. They will hook you up. Yes most of the time they do come back to get all the new stuff you just bought.

Answer 2

It is very hard to cope with, but they just might come back again. I have an uncle who was robbed 7 times ... the burglars would wait until he got new stuff then come back.

But you can take steps to make sure they don't come back, and if they do, it's not as easy as they thought.

Buy two-headed nails and drive them into the window sill so the window can't be lifted more than a few inches (but if you have a fire, they are simple to remove)

Buy a dog and put up warning signs around the yard that say something like "beware of dog, owner not responsible for attacks on property". Even if the dog is a poodle lol.

Cut down all shrubbery near the windows ... make sure the windows are able to be seen from the street.

Get motion sensor spotlights for the house so if anything comes onto your property, the first thing that happens is they get spotlighted.

Put a sign near the door that says "smile, you're picture has just been taken by our security camera".

Answer 3

Unfortunately, due to the fact that you have been burgled, your chances of being burgled again go up. However, don't panic. There is a logic to it if you put yourself in the burglar's shoes. He has been into your house once and knows the layout and was not caught. He (almost certainly male) feels safe. So what you do is change things round. Fit new better locks on doors and windows. Get a dog. Draw the curtains. Make it so that if stupid comes back, he's presented with a different house/flat and doesn't know what to expect. It will also make him think that you are aware of the burglary, have taken steps to prevent it happening again and may have something horrible for him inside.

And, please, report it to police before you start clearing up. The forensic opportunities at burglaries are much better than most crimes an, if you're in UK, a scenes of crimes officer will attend. It may not get your property back but it will lock the git up and prevent anybody else going through what you're going through.

The last thing most burglars want to do is find somebody in when they break in. If they weren't worried about confrontation they'd mug you - it's easier. I know you read about people being in when they're are burgled but the press report it because it is so rare. I'm sure there will be people who will come on this forum and say it happened to them but statistically, certainly in UK, it is rare.

Answer 4

Move to Oshawa, my front door is open..my car keys?, can't find my car keys..oh, they are in the car and my wallet, may be there too....no, I am sorry to make light of a very serious situation but relax, don't run out looking for all those hi-tech gadgets, the security officer, whateverthe'ell that is, and relax and get on with life because there is little you can do to stop anyone intent on robbing your home...just thank the gods you are safe because your possessions can be replaced...I am sorry I have no other advice because what I said in the beginning is true...of course we may get robbed but the possibilities are so remote that I give little thought to all the marketed protections...most of the crime hysteria is perpetrated by the same thieves that sell all the paraphernalia...grab some of those cute little stickers and lawn signs saying what protection you have and that will work just fine... that provides little protection...most of the crap never works...like an alarm system I investigated when my older children were home alone at night...the salesman, yes the salesman, upon learning where I lived, said that the police would probably not respond and if they did the house would be empty by time they arrived...the best security I read about is lock the doors when you leave because that will probably keep the petty, amateur thief out, but nothing, absolutely nothing short of razor wire, will deter the real criminal...so like I said, relax and get on with life and if it happens, it happens and chances are the thieves are frying some other fish a long way off.

Answer 5

The second you walk into your home and find it's been burgled--get out and away safely to your car and lock yourselves in. Cellphones are great in that you can call 911 and have police come in and check your home for lingering burglars while keeping the crime scene from being "contaminated".

You also might want to maintain a home inventory of your valuables (item descriptions/ serial numbers....etc) by listing them on your PC and taking digital cam pics of them--making sure you have hid well hardcopy printouts of both for police. This list also is a big help for insurance companies, too.

Plenty of home security businesses in the yellow pages. You might want to get a system or even use simple inexpensive fake cams and flashing "alarm" lights that may keep burglars away. Of course, you can't place a price on your family's safety at home, by same fair turn.

Answer 6

there is a few statistical information to coach that in case you have been burgled as quickly as, you're greater possibly to be burgled returned. that's no longer exceptionally much what they could have left in the back of. they additionally recognize that what they stole first time could have been replaced with new products, and that they recognize a thank you to get in. you're additionally greater possibly to be burgled if there has been a housebreaking in a close-by assets - burglars tend to return back to a neighbourhood the place they have been helpful.

Answer 7

That is a terrible thing to happen. They are unlikely to come back. You need reassurance so get yourself a good alarm system and use it. victim support may help with advice or just a sympathetic ear. The main thing is nobody was hurt. You will be bothered about it for a while and this is natural.
On I hope a lighter note write a book entitled Medieval Torture for Burglars, it will relieve your feelings

Answer 8

I would agree, make sure you reinforce all the areas they managed to get into. I was burgled once years ago, touch wood never again. if you can afford a house alarm, security lights, have timers on lights so people won't know if you are in or out, soft music on a radio, a cheap security system set up throught the t.v as it records too. get the local police to come round and mark all valuables for free and pinpoint your weak spots. Hope this helps, good luck!

Answer 9

The Police should give you the number for victim support but in the meantime don't worry too much. They have taken all they can for the moment but remember that when you replace the stuff that has been stolen get rid of the empty boxes and don't leave them outside your house as a signal to would be burglars.
Good Luck and I am sorry this has happened to you.

Answer 10

Change your locks and install an alarm system. They probably won't return. Do not expect to retrieve any of the items. Also, file a fraud alert on your credit reports for whomever is in the house. Thiefs now days are good about taking ID information. Last, conduct a security sweep of your house and see where you are vulnerable. Then address the issue you find. Good luck.

Answer 11

Never been burglarized...but I've taken hundreds of reports in reference to them. An alarm system always helps, but the pros know that the alarm company calls into the residence first, and THEN calls the Police, at which time we respond....plenty of time to get in and out.