It has been a while for me to update both of my blogs. Lots have happened in between--all were triggered by one event--home burglary. It feels weird to call myself a home burglary victim. But, for better or worse, I am one now-- joining the ranks of tens of thousands of homeowners who were simple part of the statistics on FBI’s report.
I do not wish the experience to anyone—the shock, disbelieve, and almost surreal like feeling when I walked into my ransacked house. However, consider this as a wakeup call—I downsized the amount of gadgets I use and started a neighborhood watch program.
Here are a few additional things that I’ve learned:
- always be on the watch out—thieves are now targeting upscale neighborhoods;
- always remember to lock doors, windows, and garage doors;
- don’t put your important documents in the same place with your cash and bank information. I put passports, passport cards, and bank checks in the same drawer with the cash. Thieves emptied the drawer!
- don’t be too organized—you are making thieves’ job too easy;
- don’t put all of your jewelry in the same place and in the master bedroom—that is the first place thieves’ hit;
- don’t be too predictable with your behavior—jewelry in the master bedroom is a predicable behavior, and thieves knew it;
- back up your files in a cloud-based database;
- put your important documents in a safe;
- back up your files in a cloud-based database;
- put your important documents in a safe;
- trim the bushed around your house. I have a corner lot with the house exposed from all sides. Unfortunately, my house is well hidden by the bushed and trees. The burglar happened in the middle of the day and no one saw anything;
- light your house exterior with flood light;
- put up “No soliciting” sign. In my case, thieves knocked on the door first and made sure no one was home before breaking from the back door.
- don’t expect the police to come immediately. No injury burglary is a low-priority 911 call. My first shock was to see my ransacked house and the second shock was to wait forever for the police to come;
- set up an alarm system;
- set up an alarm system;
- get a dog. Several police officers told me that burglars tend to hit dogless house. I am in the process of adopting one;
- start a neighborhood watch program—your neighbors' watchful eyes are your best defense against burglars; and
- if you want to go further, attend a self-defense class and an armory training.
Wish you all a safe life. Thanks for reading!
Connie
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