Burglary

Wow - that's got to feel uncomfortable and violating. People who break into houses for this kind of stuff are probably drug addicts. They are desparate people who just need more money to buy more drugs, I'm surprised that they didn't take your TV or computer. Did they take blank checks, credit card information?
I would think that some of the local pawn shops may end up with your jewelry - but I don't know if you want to go to those kind of neighborhoods alone. Go with your husband.
I have no suggestions for a security system. We're the least well-off family in our neighborhood and drive old cars - our house is not on the list of houses to break in to in our neighborhood.

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a coworker of mine had her house broken into and she scouted craigslist and ebay for her jewelry also. I'm not sure if any of it was recovered.

Karin:

I'm truly sorry this happened to you!!

DO NOT BE A VICTIM!! DO NOT BE AFRAID!! Burglars - just like terrorists count on their "targets" to be afraid.

Everyone should have an inventory and pictures of their home items/belongings and keep them in a fireproof safe. This includes serial numbers on DVD players, computers, cameras, video cameras and TVs. If you do banking online - ensure that your passwords are HARD (not an anniversary or birthday) also make sure you have a back-up hard drive - so that in case your computer is stolen, all of your information and pictures are not.

Ensure the back up hard drive is away from the computer - not necessarily under the desk - but in an inconspicuous location. Make a habit of backing up your data.

I take it you reported this to the police? If so, do check with pawn shops - don't be hesitant to go about 30 miles out too - make sure you take pics and the police report with you - I HOPE you will find your items!

A dog is a good security system. Wireless is a good way to go. Even on second story windows - yes, burglars have been known to use ladders.

Even when it's a nice day and your windows are open - ensure your doors and windows are locked - the alarms that announce which window or door is open is good - ADT provides that, I believe. Also check to see which systems work on battery-back up - as some thieves actually turn the electricity off to keep the alarms from going off.

Again, I am TRULY sorry you are going through this. I pray that you get your items back!

Best regards,

Cheryl

I would look into a security system for sure, call some places and ask wha t they recommend for you and gt prices and monthly rates from the monitoring co's. You are lucky that no one was there when it happened. For sure I would be on the look -out at pawn shops. You may want to make some sketches of the jewlry and make a flyer to leave at the pawn shops with your name and phone number. I would also be looking on Craigs list for the next month or so, I have head robbers often list things for sale there too, not too bright. Have you consistered getting a big, mean looking, but friendly dog? we have one and I think he would scare anyone off who would try to get in. Im sorry this happened to you and your family.

Yes, make an inventory. Your insurance company will love you.

There are security systems that can work when you have cats (or kids who wander out to the bathroom at night). The motion sensor part won't be workable, but there are other things that can be. You might ask the police - since you're, um, in touch with them - what sort of system they recommend, since they're experts. Ask them about the pawn shop business, too; they surely have some idea about the patterns of this crime wave.

I'm glad you and your family are all right! It's awful to have to go through something like this.