Last night we became another statistic as we were broken into while we were in bed asleep. Luckily the alarm went off and they disappeared into the night. This is the second time that it’s happened in 18 months, and the last time they stole a car, computer and other stuff while we slept upstairs.

The question is…. How do you stop them when they are so brazen?

Originally posted by Tony
Last night we became another statistic as we were broken into while we were in bed asleep. Luckily the alarm went off and they disappeared into the night. This is the second time that it’s happened in 18 months, and the last time they stole a car, computer and other stuff while we slept upstairs.

The question is…. How do you stop them when they are so brazen?

Sorry to hear that Tony.

appropriate security measures to stop them breaking in? strengthened glass, window locks, 5 not 3 bar mortice lock, block the coal chute, security lighting etc. but you know all this, how did they get in?

Any burglar who tries to break into an alrmed house is even more of an idiot than usual;

Yup, got all those things. They actually forced open a window that had new window locks put on last year after the first break in. Agree with the comment about the alarm!:loopy: I think that they were after the car keys, so is it a matter of time before they just walk upstairs, wake us up and demand the keys at knifepoint?

Stopping them from getting in seems to be the most important, at least then you are unlikely to be held at knifepoint in bed - which is a very unpleasant prospect.

Looks like your alarm did the job though.

As well as alarming the lower floor, a large dog is probably the best deterrent.

99% of buglars will do a runner if the alarm goes off, but if you've got an expensive car then although still unlikely, you may be the target of a nastier streak of car thief who's not bothered about entering your house with a weapon. I post on Scoobynet (Subaru forum) and every now and again this happens to either a forum user, or somebody they know.

Unless you're prepared to fight them out of your bedroom which lets face it, isn't a great idea unless you're very skilled, then you might as well leave the car keys somewhere where they will be found easily downstairs. At the end of the day a lump of metal which is insured is less important than the possibility of being stabbed.

Also, something like Clifford Blackjax will allow a thief to take your car, but will shut it down about a minute later, giving you time to get out of the house, and your car will be found a few hundred yards away.

Mike where abouts in sheffield you from mate?

Not exact address obviously... but rough geographic locatation.

South Sheffield - why?

oooops sorry... I meant Tony!

DOH :blush:
Just wondered which area of Sheffield this took place is all!

Sorry mate! Wrong person!

no worries :)

thought it was a bit odd!

Good old fasioned barbed wire never goes astray. Trouble is if they cut themselves while trying to break in, they'd probably sue you for it :loopy:

West Sheffield DB, why? What you thinking?

Not thinking out special just wondered which area this was happening and if crime has risen.

What areas of Sheffield are West Sheffield?

we were burgled last year - they broke off the window lock in our kitchen. Stupidly we have left it open with the lock on.

They grabbed what they could see and legged it. Don't know if they were distrubed or anything - but my younest daughter was still prone to waking in the night which 'may' have put them off.

They were not THAT bright as it turned out. We reported our video card stolen the same day and about 10 mins after reporting it to the shop - they turned up trying to buy vids with our money and rent some games with out card!
Thankfully the manager remembered our name - unfortunately he sent them away with a flea in their ear. The police got a description but that is it.

The insurance paid for what we lost and no one seemed overly traumatised by the event - that was until my daughter had to explain her homework had actually been stolen.

I think all you can really do is put as much deterent in their way as possible. A determined theif with find ways and means - but from my house they always pay for what they have taken :twisted:

Moon

I thought I heard my alarm give the standard 3 'blips' to warn someone off..

Off I went outside with nothing but a pair of shorts on, no weapon.. just me (an angry me though).. and nobody was there.

Personally you'll never find me scared to confront whoever fancies they're chances at an easy grab of something I've payed for.. but for those who are, get a dog.