Got robbed today / B&E

This morning I spent 2 hours at my rehab installing smoke detectors and other small mundane jobs since my city's rental house inspector is scheduled to come on Friday. I left for lunch around Noon, locked up the house and left all my tools laying around on the floor. One hour later I return and noticed someone had been there and thrown a brick through the bedroom window ! This house has 30 x 60 inch storm windows and so my storm window and the inside wood sash window both got busted up really good. Broken glass is all over the bedroom floor and the brick is laying there on the floor too.

Whoever the thief was only took my 10 inch chop-saw and my Walmart angle grinder. All of my other tools, which are more valuable, where left untouched,...not even moved. I called the police and made a report but I seriously doubt the cops are going to solve this Breaking and Entering crime.

The cop asked me if I knew of anyone who might have done this. I told him there are some really crummy people who live 2 doors down and they show up daily to panhandle me for money,...but that would only be speculation on my part. There are no witnesses here. I do feel a need to purchase a hand-gun now. This happened in broad daylight all in 1 hour that I was away.

--68.63.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Sep 27, 2018 5:43 PM
Message:

Wow, that stinks!

I'm glad they waited until you left! --68.10.xxx.x

Got robbed today / B&E (by fred [CA]) Posted on: Sep 27, 2018 5:44 PM
Message:

Roy, I am sorry about what happened to you.

As a home builder, a renovators and jack of all trades, I've always said: I don't need no lifetime warranty on tools...they don't last lifetime...they get stolen.

In some states, if your loss is less than a certain amount, hey nobody cares. So your police will do nothing. I was surprised they came over.

Just pick up the broken glass, write the casualty loss off and move on.

I'm on your side. Things like this have happen to me too. --99.59.x.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Deanna [TX]) Posted on: Sep 27, 2018 5:57 PM
Message:

I have a few houses in my renovation queue. We keep them mowed, but they're otherwise just patiently waiting their turn for attention.

My yard guy told me at the last mow, "Hey, over at [address], someone stole your gate. I always have to open and close it to get the lawnmower in the back yard--- but this time, the gate was gone."

Twerps.

I really do need to get some motion-sensor game cameras or something... Sorry to hear that you had a b&e at an active renovation. :( --96.46.xxx.xx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Richard [MI]) Posted on: Sep 27, 2018 6:10 PM
Message:

Never leave tools or materials on a job.You have been lucky so far. Point to remember- if they got away with it the first time, they WILL be back.

They were watching you to see when you went to lunch.

I'd bet your hunch about the neighbor is right on the money. --23.121.xx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Ken [NY]) Posted on: Sep 27, 2018 6:13 PM
Message:

Easy way to tell if the guys 2 doors down took your stuff,if they don't show up tomorrow looking for money then they did it,not proof but good enough for me. --72.231.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Tony [NJ]) Posted on: Sep 27, 2018 6:18 PM
Message:

Look into Simply Safe wireless alarm for a few hundred $$$. Uses cellular monitoring for 15/m. Easy to relocate to the next property. --73.195.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Paulio [PA]) Posted on: Sep 27, 2018 6:32 PM
Message:

Check your local pawn shop tomorrow. --50.107.xxx.xx

Got robbed today / B&E (by bet [MA]) Posted on: Sep 27, 2018 7:42 PM
Message:

WE are pretty sure, I guy we hired that got pissed smashed our two windows. He could have walked right in but did it for revenge. It is someone you know. We also had a working refrigerator outside and the guy I gave some free stuff to, decided to come back to help himself to that also, but the tenant scared him off. It is always an inside job. --96.237.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Sep 27, 2018 8:00 PM
Message:

Roy,

Bummer. Glad you're a gazillionaire and like the theives think you'll "write this off your taxes".

Lots of eyes watching. Waited until you left.

My rule: NEVER leave ANY tools or ladders overnight. They will break my new $450 door to steal a $59 screwdriver they see thru the window.

On the bright side: time to go TOOL SHOPPING!!

BRAD

--68.50.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Livethedream [AZ]) Posted on: Sep 27, 2018 9:51 PM
Message:

Check the pawnshops. Look in any nearby open garages - and check FB sales groups in the area and CL. Yes they really are that stupid.

My friends UTV that was recently stolen from our gun range - we got it back in 3 days - id iots had it in a garage with the door open.

You might let the neighbors know, then put some motion lights and an alarm.

--47.216.xx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 12:03 AM
Message:

This happened to me a couple of times. So I purchased a Tool Job Box and boat anchor chain and heavy duty lock. I chain the Job Box down to something strong and have installed a 150 db alarm that if someone lifts the Job Box off the ground, a pressure switch trips and the alarm sounds. Inside the Job box is the alarm and plenty of power.

Several time the police call me that an alarm is ringing in my vacant house. Had it not been for the noise and all neighbors calling, the police would have never shown up. Plus a neighbor got a look at the thief. --47.156.xx.xx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 1:54 AM
Message:

The dilemma I have now is this: I have approved an applicant (young couple with child) to rent this house. If I tell them what happened yesterday, they will probably freak out, assume it is a high crime neighborhood and not want to move in.

Do I have any obligation to tell my future tenants about this? What would you do or not do here? --68.63.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Richard [MI]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 2:19 AM
Message:

Telling prospective tenants about this is a tough call.

If the area is a C type neighborhood, they likely already know there's crime all around.

Maybe advise them to get alarms. --23.121.xx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 2:53 AM
Message:

Richard,

My future tenants are from another city 30 miles away. This is a Class C hood but unfortunately there are a few Class F people (bums) who have relatives on this same street. Their only source of income is panhandling and selling scrap metal.

Today I will get both of my windows fixed and put back in before the inspector arrives. I will make it look like nothing ever happen.

I did buy a new Hitachi chop-saw and angle grinder yesterday,...I still have 10 sticks of quarter-round to install. --68.63.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by myob [GA]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 3:56 AM
Message:

Roy that's to bad. Gun for this-- no way. Gun for SELF protection yes. Little 380 - 7 shot. Do you really want to shoot someone over a $400 chop saw-- I know you do but do you really? Someone trying to bodily harm is one thing Wally world tools-- is another.

We have a tendency to leave all blinds up when we leave a job site but do put everything out of site-- in closets or down hall ways -- hidden. --99.103.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 4:04 AM
Message:

Sorry this happened. I don't think you are under any obligation to tell the prospective tenants about it. YOU were the target, not the house. --50.82.xxx.xx

Got robbed today / B&E (by MJ [OH]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 4:21 AM
Message:

I agree with WMH. Your tools were the target, not the house. It was a crime of opportunity. The tenants can check local police crime reports if they are concerned about crime. I also encourage prospects to visit the neighborhood during different hours of the day to make sure they are ok with the neighborhood's personality. --174.105.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by LindaJ [NY]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 4:51 AM
Message:

Even one better... My friend was working at a house. He was using his circular saw the the front porch where the painter was painting the house. He did a cut, went inside for a few moments, came back out and they stole the saw from the porch while the painter was working there.

I don't think I would mention it to tenants. They probably know the neighborhood, and if it were the neighbors would probably not be a target, you are because you are the rich landlord. --108.44.xx.xx

Got robbed today / B&E (by RB [MI]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 5:00 AM
Message:

They got your number. --184.53.x.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Vee [OH]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 5:13 AM
Message:

Sorry this happened to you, but plain open view is very tempting, ladies almost always have a clutch purse or none at all because it is locked in the car trunk when out for lunch or dinner. --76.188.xxx.xx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 5:27 AM
Message:

Since buying this house last July 25th, I have visited this house daily to do odd jobs and to check up on the people that I had hired for rehab. At the end of the day, I would always leave my tools in the house as long as the doors and windows were locked. I never had a problem until yesterday. In due time, I will find out who did this. A small cash reward for information will do it.

The main house is done. Now it is time to work on the garage apartment which should only take 1-2 weeks. --68.63.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Ken [NY]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 5:48 AM
Message:

No obligation to tell the tenants,you the rich landlord was the target not the house --72.231.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by S i d [MO]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 7:18 AM
Message:

Sad to hear about this Roy. I think the violation of one's property hurts more than the $ amount lost when something like this happen. My car stereo was stolen out of my car i college, and my car was parked right behind the house where I lived. Felt violated more than anything else.

I see no obligation to tell future tenants about this theft. It happened to you, not them. None of their businesses. --173.20.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Pacman [IL]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 7:30 AM
Message:

Roy, sorry to hear your bad news. I would install the deer camera (aka game camera) if I were you. It's affordable and easy to install. The thief came once and they will come back (yes that happened to me). --73.168.x.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Salernitana [CA]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 8:38 AM
Message:

I'm so sorry, Roy, and I agree with WMH and MJ that the thieves probably robbed the house out of opportunity. Even in A neighborhoods, thieves break windows practically on a weely basis to gain entry into a house or a car that they know is empty. I'm sure that the thieves only wanted the power tools to sell to a pawn shop that LTD noted, and I too suspect the neighbors two doors down.

I also think that your new tenants know the neighborhood and have seen the class F houses. Since they're young, they've probably looked online for crime reports.

Best of luck with the new tenants and hope that the rest of the turnover goes smoothly and safely. --107.3.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 9:33 AM
Message:

I would gladly have given up walmart tool and portable table saw to have my water pipes back.

The world has totally gone crazy. --99.203.xx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by AllyM [NJ]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 11:06 AM
Message:

Of course its them. They saw you leave. --73.178.xxx.xx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Mickie [OH]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 11:29 AM
Message:

Sorry to hear this happened. I think the deer camera might be a good low coat solution that can be easily taken with you from place to place. --174.233.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Wilma [PA]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 1:11 PM
Message:

That stinks! And they will probably come back to see if you replace the tools. Time for some security

--99.203.xx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by melinda [MD]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 2:27 PM
Message:

I guess that theft happens to just about all of us. We have been robbed probably 4 times in 35 years. It is indeed a sad commentary on the mindset of people. I was assaulted in July and so now I am super mindful of what can happpen when you least expect it. --24.233.xxx.xx

Got robbed today / B&E (by don [PA]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 2:54 PM
Message:

He only took two items because that was all he could carry. Probably a junkie who will keep hitting you until you do something to stop him. --70.90.xx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 5:07 PM
Message:

Don (PA)

I need to get one those signs that says "This house is now insured by Smith & Wesson". I will tape it to the new window I replaced today. --68.63.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by myob [GA]) Posted on: Sep 28, 2018 5:09 PM
Message:

so you would kill someone for stealing a chop saw? --99.103.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 29, 2018 3:37 AM
Message:

MYOB,

Not for stealing a $100.00 chop-saw,...but B&E,...this is something that crosses the line with me. These morons need to be taught a lesson,..somehow.

The house is now completely empty of tools or anything else for that matter. Maybe I should just leave the back bedroom window open with a note attached to the thief to use the back door instead of breaking my window again. I do not want my chop-saw back but I would like to have 5 minutes alone with this person and give him some ole fashioned 'southern justice'. --68.63.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by John2 [MI]) Posted on: Sep 29, 2018 4:27 AM
Message:

Sorry to hear this.... unfortunately, the “neighborhood” knows when you come and go... all LL should be mindfull of our surroundings. Just yesterday a 77 yo guy was robbed by a punk with a knife (during the day) while he was loading his car with groceries. I always carry my Glock when I go to any of my properties and now when I go grocery shopping.... --24.247.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by Vee [OH]) Posted on: Sep 29, 2018 6:16 AM
Message:

I have a couple bee keepers I do some work with, there is a live hive in the house when empty - on one of her cards it says I have more bees than your family has bullets, great defense. --76.188.xxx.xx

Got robbed today / B&E (by WL [CA]) Posted on: Sep 29, 2018 8:26 AM
Message:

If there is a risk that you will be attacked or use weapons to defend yourself when you are collecting rent, you might want to look into self defense insurance. I buy a US Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) policy that covers me for any weapon I use to defend myself. It is the legal fees and lost wages that add up - for about $100 per year, I think it is cheap. Google USCCA for more info. I don't believe standard insurance policies cover this type of coverage. --174.65.xx.xx

Got robbed today / B&E (by JB [OR]) Posted on: Sep 29, 2018 11:47 AM
Message:

Roy, I mentioned you carrying a gun with you once before. It certainly doesn't mean you have to use it, but if you need it it will be there.

As for myob, my uncle is a RE agent in Houston. He carries a gun always with him at all times. I understand Roy's frustration and with many of these goons high on meth (or worse) having to shoot someone to protect yourself or your hard-earned assets is the price these people might have to pay for being scumbags. --24.20.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by myob [GA]) Posted on: Sep 29, 2018 2:14 PM
Message:

JB I carry and have a conceal permit. To protect myself-- or others yes all day long- B & E or stealing sorry can't justify. Always said to protect others or myself not equipment. --99.103.xxx.xxx

Got robbed today / B&E (by gevans [SC]) Posted on: Sep 30, 2018 6:39 PM
Message:

Get the SimpliSafe. You don't even have to use the monthly $15 alert service if you don't want... the 85 decibel alarm is usually enough. This system is wireless and can easily be moved from place to place. --98.122.x.xx

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