Leave your lights on, even if you're not in town... (Spring Hill: houses, neighborhood)

[rezfreak]

Apparently we had some jackhat try to break into my house tonight. My husband and I were not home, and we believe the would-be robbers were scared off either by my neighbor who spotted him kicking in our door, or my little 6 lb dog.

Our lights were out as we were out at a birthing class. Police came and toured our house while we were not even there, which does bug me. They turned on every light and went into every closet. But, that's neither here nor there. (We know it was the police that did that as the neighbor said the 'robber' did not even go into the house, they just kicked in the door and ran off when their getaway car took off)

The police seem to think we were targeted over other houses was due to the fact we had our lights out. The same car has been spotted in other areas in break-ins too. The vehicle was a blue or gray ford taurus-like car. Neighbor was not able to get the plate number unfortunately.

So, if you plan on going out of town, turn on a light or put on light timers.

[BucFan]

Sorry about your experience. Good idea about the lights. Probably will do that and leave a radio on as well.

[It's Cin!]

Yes, Good idea! Last year the few days before Thanksgiving we had some burglars target our neighborhood and some others close by. They were breaking into houses that did not have a car in the driveway. This was during broad daylight. (I dont know what their logic was, as all these homes have at least a two car garage!). They hit my neighbor a few houses down the street, then went on to a nearby neighborhood and broke into a house where a 13 yr old girl was home alone. (Her parents were working). The girl heard the car pull into the driveway and looked out an upstairs window. While the thieves were breaking in a back door, she took down the license plate number, hid in a closet and called the police. So she was OK, but just imagine if she had still been in bed asleep! When the police caught the thieves after a high speed chase, they had the stolen goods from at least 6 burglarys in their car.

So maybe what I'm thinking is that if you have to go out of town, have a neighbor, friend or relative park one of their cars in your driveway if possible.

[kbrkr]

It would be nice to know where you live!!! Ugh!

Sorry you were targeted.

[Maggi07]

Thanks for the reminder! I've been really bad about that lately.

Glad everything turned out fine for you!

[TB Fla]

I already leave a light or two on as well as the TV.

[Spring Hillian]

This is why a Home Automation System is a great idea. Not only can the system control the lights that you normally turn on and off, porch lights, security lights, low voltage lights, etc. It can also control your interior lighting automatically, day in and day out even when you are not home.
Gives your house the "at home" look no matter when.

You can PM me for more info.

[rezfreak]

Originally Posted by kbrkr

It would be nice to know where you live!!! Ugh!

Sorry you were targeted.

Oh jeez, so sorry. Did you have to be so rude about it? I'm in brandon, that's all the more I will say.


It's Cin!: The weird thing was, my husband's car was in the driveway!

[rezfreak]

Originally Posted by Spring Hillian

This is why a Home Automation System is a great idea. Not only can the system control the lights that you normally turn on and off, porch lights, security lights, low voltage lights, etc. It can also control your interior lighting automatically, day in and day out even when you are not home.
Gives your house the "at home" look no matter when.

You can PM me for more info.

Truth be told, we never looked into a light timer or security system because someone is nearly ALWAYS home. I'm a stay at home preggo and really dont go anywhere. Guess that'll teach us! Funny thing is, I just returned from a 3 week vacation only Monday night. Hubby was home for the last 2 weeks though.

[xbillyx]

Originally Posted by It's Cin!

Yes, Good idea! Last year the few days before Thanksgiving we had some burglars target our neighborhood and some others close by. They were breaking into houses that did not have a car in the driveway. This was during broad daylight. (I dont know what their logic was, as all these homes have at least a two car garage!). They hit my neighbor a few houses down the street, then went on to a nearby neighborhood and broke into a house where a 13 yr old girl was home alone. (Her parents were working). The girl heard the car pull into the driveway and looked out an upstairs window. While the thieves were breaking in a back door, she took down the license plate number, hid in a closet and called the police. So she was OK, but just imagine if she had still been in bed asleep! When the police caught the thieves after a high speed chase, they had the stolen goods from at least 6 burglarys in their car.

So maybe what I'm thinking is that if you have to go out of town, have a neighbor, friend or relative park one of their cars in your driveway if possible.

Damn! What town are you in?

Florida seems to have a much bigger problem with burglary and petty theft, compared to other states.