[toxicnerve]

because if you do THIEVING, FUCKING, PIKEY, SCUM will rob you.

Here's the story:

In the early hours of Friday morning I heard what sounded like someone having a go at the front door. Went down to have a look but didn't see anything. The security light down the side of the house had come on and I thought about going out there for a look but thought twice. I didn't fancy getting into an altercation with some low-life in the middle of the night leaving my house unsecure and wife alone (I know, poor excuse for taking the sissy option). Kept a look out for about 30 minutes or so but didn't see anything other than a couple of foxes. Obviously the foxes hadn't tried the door but as I couldn't see anything I went back to bed.

So fast forward to the morning, we go out to work etc. During the day I was discussing with the guys at work about what happened the night before and it was agreed that I needed to beef up security.

Fast forward to about 19.00, I get a call from the missus telling me that I need to come home as we'd been robbed!

Thankfully we were not in the house when all this happened (neighbour reckons she heard something at about 18.00 but didn't think anything of it/assumed it was us). The car was at the local dealers (long story) and that's where I was on my way home from when my missus called. When I got home I was greeted but the sight of glass covering the entire kitchen floor, basically they'd thrown a lump of concrete through my garden door (glass panelled) and just walked in. Downstairs was basically undisturbed, they'd gone straight upstairs, trashed the bedrooms and my study was a complete mess, paperwork all over the place etc.

Not sure what has and hasn't been stolen yet as we're waiting for forensics to come round this morning and see if they can get any prints. Because, obviously, if they do they'll catch these guys and make them pay for their crime right? My fucking arse will they. Suffice it to say the obvious stuff has gone. Basically, small items that were stuffed into a pillow case and one of my overnight bags but until we can tidy up and have a proper look I won't know exactly what's gone.

My theory is the fuckers the night before were trying to fish for keys through the letter box, when they failed they made their return to try and find the spares (but while the car was cleary not at the house???). Luckily the spare isn't kept at the house and the car, along with the primary key, was with the dealer!!

Wife is pretty shaken up as she was the first one in and a lot of the jewellery had sentimental value which frankly is irreplaceable, the other stuff is hopefully covered by the insurance and mainly material things with no sentimental value.

The weird thing is over the past month or two, on two seperate occassions, I've had a knock at the door only to go down and open it and for the guy (2 different guys on 2 seperate occassions) on the other side to say "Sorry mate, wrong house". Was this them casing the joint? The first time the chap had a Ford Focus pulled up next to my house and some ginger kid sat in the front, the second time it was some ginger kid that knocked. Couldn't hand on heart say it was the same guy though.

Also, get this, the chap the insurance co. sent round to board up the busted door said he'd just come from a job not too far from us where the owners 530d had got nicked. I mentioned this malarky about people knocking at the door and he gave me a description of the car that I had witnessed outside my house, i.e. a silver, new shape Ford Focus. He gave the impression is was a common theme and the same lot had been doing people over for sometime. The boarding guy suggested it was likely the same crew that had nicked the 530d that did my place over.

Fuck knows to be honest, not even sure I feel angry about this, it's fucking weird. I know deep down that these people will get away with it and we will be left to pick up the pieces and suffer an increase in our insurance premiums too. I don't care what anyone says, these people do not deserve to be rehabilitated or edcuated. Either put them to hard manual labour for the rest of their lives or, better yet, put them down. I won't shed a tear for them or their families.

[F31-340i]

Sorry to hear that. Let the forensics do their bit - you get the full CSI treatment, which the wife enjoyed despite the overall trauma.

We had a disturbed attempted break-in - we weren't in and they only started to open a window before doing a runner. They had moved some stuff, including a porcelain pot to prop up our gate to facilitate a quick gate away.

CSI came round (bear in mind the robbers did not even get in the house) - and took 1 print off the outside pot.

Heard nothing for months - then found out by letter from the police that evidence from 6+ properties - including the solitary fingerprint on our pot - had been used to send down a gang that were doing houses in our area.

So - it can be worth it!

[toxicnerve]

Originally Posted by ///ajd

Sorry to hear that. Let the forensics do their bit - you get the full CSI treatment, which the wife enjoyed despite the overall trauma.

We had a disturbed attempted break-in - we weren't in and they only started to open a window before doing a runner. They had moved some stuff, including a porcelain pot to prop up our gate to facilitate a quick gate away.

CSI came round (bear in mind the robbers did not even get in the house) - and took 1 print off the outside pot.

Heard nothing for months - then found out by letter from the police that evidence from 6+ properties - including the solitary fingerprint on our pot - had been used to send down a gang that were doing houses in our area.

So - it can be worth it!

Thanks mate, I hope they can get some evidence and catch these guys.

[Osian85]

Hey toxic what area do you live in roughly? So people nearby can prepare / look out for this pair of low-lifes in a focus saying 'oh sorry wrong house'

Just a thought.

[toxicnerve]

Originally Posted by Osh

Hey toxic what area do you live in roughly? So people nearby can prepare / look out for this pair of low-lifes in a focus saying 'oh sorry wrong house'

Just a thought.

Redbridge/Ilford mate.

[dxb335d]

Fackin winds me up mate. It really
freakin' does. Animals. Dragged up I rekon.

Where about do you live ?!

[peterg1965]

That is a terrible incident, Police resources should be poured into this sort of crime AND when the arseholes (sorry, perpetrator(s)) are caught and convicted they should be made to suffer financially and forced to pay reparations to those who have suffered at their hands, as well as a long prison sentence, preferably in a hard labour camp.

Of course, that probably breaches their so-called human rights so will never happen.

[toxicnerve]

Redbridge in Essex/London mate.

The worst thing is, the copper has said they were probably after the car/spare keys but even if they were not, they have made a judgement on our lifestyle by seeing the car. Hence we have become a target simply by working hard and having nice things.

Makes me feel like I should just turn my house into Fort Knox and drive a banger.

[dxb335d]

Why dont you move out of London mate. I live miles away and still only takes 25-30mins to get to you. (Driving quickly)

[simples]

sorry to hear this mate, i had a similar experience last year, lucky though they were seen by a neighbor about 3am. is your back door double glazed, i cant understand how no one called the police when they smashed the glass. if it is double glazed this would make a very lound sound on impact. get yourself an alarm as well. only about 350 quid and then about £26 monitored p/m to the police. thats the problem when u work yr balls off and start rewarding yourself, the scum come out the woodwork and say 'i'll hve abit of that' bastards!!

Redbridge ! my cousins live there, near newbury park!

[Dave_3]

Terrible experience. Just the knowledge they have been in your house.

Just scum.

D.

[jvowles]

sorry to hear it - but glad neither you or your wife were at home at the time. A friend of mine had 3 cars taken from his drive, in the middle of the night - whilst he was asleep...they broke a small window next to the door, fished the keys off, and drove the cars off....he is glad they just took them rather than fhighting for them ultimately, but just sad.

[flyfs6]

Very sorry to hear this. Hope the family recovers from it fairly well.

We were also burgled last April. It does leave you a bit shook up. They took out a complete double glazing pane, clean!

If you don't have an alarm system installed then get one, it especially helps the family feel safer and naturally deters thefts also. In our area apparently South Asian households are the favourite targets for thieves because they know that often the ladies have a fair bit of jewellery/gold which they keep at home. A weekend before mine, there was a break in at Anneka's too but the burglar was disturbed and left empty handed.

We had the exact same door knocking incidents before we were burgled!!!

If you've got a good home insurance company they will take care of it for you quickly. Directline didn't put my premium up despite paying out in the region of £20k.

Wish you a speedy recovery. If you need a hand with something or need advice, just ask. Good luck

[toxicnerve]

Originally Posted by jvowles

sorry to hear it - but glad neither you or your wife were at home at the time. A friend of mine had 3 cars taken from his drive, in the middle of the night - whilst he was asleep...they broke a small window next to the door, fished the keys off, and drove the cars off....he is glad they just took them rather than fhighting for them ultimately, but just sad.

Cheers mate, I think that's what they were trying to do at 2.30 in the morning but they'd have no luck as I don't leave any keys accessible!!

Originally Posted by flyfs6

Very sorry to hear this Nitan. Hope the family recovers from it fairly well.

We were also burgled last April. It does leave you a bit shook up. They took out a complete double glazing pane, clean!

If you don't have an alarm system installed then get one, it especially helps the family feel safer and naturally deters thefts also. In our area apparently South Asian households are the favourite targets for thieves because they know that often the ladies have a fair bit of jewellery/gold which they keep at home. A weekend before mine, there was a break in at Anneka's too but the burglar was disturbed and left empty handed.

We had the exact same door knocking incidents before we were burgled!!!

If you've got a good home insurance company they will take care of it for you quickly. Directline didn't put my premium up despite paying out in the region of £20k.

Wish you a speedy recovery. If you need a hand with something or need advice, just ask. Good luck

Thanks for your kind words mate, it's a real shock. I am definitely going to get an alarm put in, possibly some CCTV to cover the back garden etc and finally one of those removable metal post things to sink into my driveway so I can effectively block the car in!!

Do you know any good security companies in the area who will install a decent alarm without gouging me to much?

[flyfs6]

Yes, a guy called Sam who runs Sonic Security Alarms Romford. He's an independent guy who knows his stuff, his costs are reasonable and he has installed for a lot of people who I know. Service is spot on! He is away for the weekend it seems.

Ideally get a hardwired install because they are better long term. Most alarm companies will try to sell wireless systems, not knocking them but the fancy wireless ones more expensive, need replacement batteries every so often. Therefore not as good as wired IMO.

Oh, I'm a big fan of Scantronic made alarms so if you can go for this make. They're well made, reliable and used in many commercial installs.

[toxicnerve]

Originally Posted by flyfs6

Yes, a guy called Sam who runs Sonic Security Alarms Romford. He's an independent guy who knows his stuff, his costs are reasonable and he has installed for a lot of people who I know. Service is spot on! He is away for the weekend it seems.

Ideally get a hardwired install because they are better long term. Most alarm companies will try to sell wireless systems, not knocking them but the fancy wireless ones more expensive, need replacement batteries every so often. Therefore not as good as wired IMO.

Oh, I'm a big fan of Scantronic made alarms so if you can go for this make. They're well made, reliable and used in many commercial installs.

Good call mate, we use a security contractor at work who suggested the same. I will get a price from a few people but TBH, an alarm install is not beyond my capability though it might be useful to have an install cert from a pro.

Need to get on the case, have a feeling they might be back for the car...if they do come back, I want to be ready for them!

[flyfs6]

Yes an installation certificate might be useful.

Understand your sentiments, but think it's unlikely they'll be back. So don't feel that way because it'll just add to your anxiety.

[Outlaw 06]

At least you and your wife are okay.

Unfortunately, criminals are quite brazen when they have no fear of lethal retribution…

It’s a great privilege to live in a country where law-abiding citizens have the right to arm themselves to the teeth with powerful weapons in order to protect their families, homes and property!

[beemerbird]

So sorry to hear about this, it really does annoy me and like you, I would not shed a tear if these scum dropped down dead or had a nasty accident. They have violated your human rights and as far as I'm concerned they give up their human rights to a degree as they have committed a criminal offence which is the principal of the matter, nevermind how it leaves you and your wife feeling afterwards.

I agree with flyfs6 re. the hard wired type system of alarm.

The police can advise further on securtiy measures and I hope these bastards will be caught. Lets be positive and hope so eh!! You don't happen to know whether any of your neighbours were burgled also? Just wondering if those that already have alarms have experienced anything.

I am sure you both will move on from this in time and it may sound trite, but don't let those bastards win ok.

Originally Posted by TJDiCandido

It’s a great privilege to live in a country where law-abiding citizens have the right to arm themselves to the teeth with powerful weapons in order to protect their families, homes and property!

Appreciate you may have right to bear arms, but no way do we want to be in the situation whereby the criminals have guns so the public feel the need to carry guns and it all ends in a blood bath and death which is what could happen. Each society is different and depends on how the general populous thinks and behaves tbh. Guns and kidnapping are thankfully, still major taboos in the UK.

[Walesy]

Scum bags!!!

I hope they get who done it mate. Really sorry to hear this and I hope who done it get something nasty coming there way. Fortunatley we dont have alot of this type of crime where I stay, but I do think about it and does concern me when it is gona start, cos sure as hell it will.

[toxicnerve]

Thanks for all the kind words! Really appreciated.

We're just tidying up now while trying to compile a list of what got nicked. Other than the "big ticket" items that are obviously gone, it's going to be impossible to account for every little thing that might have been stolen...such a pain in the arse. I rarely remember what I had for breakfast the previous morning let alone what was in "that box up there" or "that draw of the desk"!!!

Another example, my wife had a fair bit of genuine jewellery most of which we can provide details for...but what of all the cheaper costume jewellery? She had countless pieces of that stuff, some of which was cheap and other stuff which was more expensive (but still fake/costume)...how does one claim for that kind of thing under insurance? She can't remember every piece she had and it's difficult to put a value on it...

None of the neighbours were done over but one of the guys mentioned hearing someone messing around with their letter box a couple of nights ago...it's got to be the same guys.

[flyfs6]

So long as you can prove ownership of most items, the insurance adjuster might take your word for the costume jewellery. Maybe she is wearing them in some photos etc. For items you've lost if you don't have receipts, try finding their boxes, photographs, service receipts etc.