Trying to see the good in things...

[In-Yo-Grill]

I have to apologize for being a little absentee this past week. I was out of town Wednesday when I got a frantic call from my wife informing me that out house had been broken into. During broad daylight to make it worse. Thank God no one was home.

The scum bags made off with the usual things like TV's, Xbox, digital camera etc...The one that stung the most was they stole the only other gun I don't keep in my safe. It was a stainless Taurus 627 which is a 7-shot .357 mag with a ported barrel. I just hate the thought that one of my guns is in the hands of BG's.

Of course I've had to deal with the peace of mind that gets "stolen" as well. I've had a tough time sleeping as every little noise brings curiosity. The good that has come out of this is my wife wanting to carry her Kahr P380 everywhere she goes. Up until now she had only viewed the gun as a home defense weapon. Now she's ready to carry 100% of the time. Music to my ears.

We hit the range yesterday and although she needs lots of work the session went very well and she really loved the gun. It had replaced her Ruger LCP since she couldn't get used to the long-long-very long trigger pull. She has committed to practicing more often and I've committed to being patient as she learns.

Anyhow I figure it will still be a couple of weeks before our lives are back to normal as we get things replaced and our front door fixed/replaced as that was the POE.

[jlottmc]

You have our thoughts and prayers. Time unfortunately doesn't heal any wound, it just takes the fresh away, and some of the sting. Good for your wife and you for being patient. I hope all goes well for you.

[Bawanna]

IYG, I had heard a rumor about your situation. To me the hardest part is the personal space violation. Knowing someone you don't know and now doubt wouldn't like was walking around your personal kingdom, doing whatever they felt like doing. I was burglarized many many years ago and it was just devasating. I lost a couple revolvers along with the usual stuff that punks steal but that violated feeling was the worst part.
We sometimes get a little sloppy, I know my people do, leave doors unlocked, windows open, my shop has never been locked and we've had no issues but it could happen anytime.
Your incident has inspired me to replace my cheap little bifold door to my gun room with a solid core, with a good lock. If they come in the house they can have the tv and games, at least all my good stuff will be a little harder to get to.
It's very important for you to file the police report and most of all add every single serial numbered item you can locate. It's the little things that turn up in pawn shops or out where folks can see em and that's how the bg's get caught. I have a good story to tell about this very thing that I'll share another time, I wanna catch a bg this morning in your honor.

[mr surveyor]

I was there in 1986. Lost the "usual", like you, including one old H&R revolver, but more importantly the POS took my Grandfather's railroad watch. In current dollars it would have been in the $1500 range, but otherwise priceless. Having my personal space/privacy violated by the lowest form of spineless cowardly scum on earth was the very worst. I immediately set out designing an addition to my house (semi-rural) to accomodate my office, and 4 months later moved my business to my home. Rarely is the driveway ever empty, and no certain pattern as to what vehicles in the drive. The TV is always blaring in the living room so there's always the possibility of doubt in a potential home invader's mind about occupancy.

"They" say that "stuff" is not worth the taking of a human life. Well, at the time of my home invasion my elderly, semi-invalid mother-in-law could have very well been sitting in front of the TV alone, with no vehicles in the driveway, when the dirtbags kicked in the back door. Does anyone believe for a minute these POS slime balls would have said "excuse me, ma'am...wrong house" and left? Anyone that would force entry into a home, in my opinion, is guilty of a violent crime and deserves the full wrath of the home owner. I thank God, and the level headed thinking of our state government that Texas has some pretty solid legislation that protects property owner's rights to defend themselves AND their property. In a two year period I had three (count 'em, THREE) riding mowers stolen. The first was left unchained, under my bedroom window, to be picked up by the repair shop...instead got picked up in the middle of the night by scum. The next two were solidly chanied to trees.... first the chain was cut...second, mocking my attempt to deter theft, the master lock bolt was cut. County sheriff says they don't really have a requirement to investigate "theft", but would be required to investigate burglary of a building... so, I had to build another building in order to protect my rights to some modicome of law enforcement.

Would I shoot an intruder in my home..... damned right....I carry 24/7, particularly in my home. Would I shoot a thief that was trying to wheel off my riding mower..... damned good possibility. With a $1k deductible on my insurance, those dirtbags took $3000 of my life away, just in mowers..... not to mention the thousands of dollars and irreplaceable family heirlooms (including my wife's jewelery) in the home invasion/burglary.

If they are bold enough to enter your property and take that which is not theirs, I figure they are bold enough to do you bodily harm, and pose a threat.

After 24 years, you'd think I would have cooled off a bit.... HELL NO!.


surv:mad:

[Bawanna]

I was there in 1986. Lost the "usual", like you, including one old H&R revolver, but more importantly the POS took my Grandfather's railroad watch. In current dollars it would have been in the $1500 range, but otherwise priceless. Having my personal space/privacy violated by the lowest form of spineless cowardly scum on earth was the very worst. I immediately set out designing an addition to my house (semi-rural) to accomodate my office, and 4 months later moved my business to my home. Rarely is the driveway ever empty, and no certain pattern as to what vehicles in the drive. The TV is always blaring in the living room so there's always the possibility of doubt in a potential home invader's mind about occupancy.

"They" say that "stuff" is not worth the taking of a human life. Well, at the time of my home invasion my elderly, semi-invalid mother-in-law could have very well been sitting in front of the TV alone, with no vehicles in the driveway, when the dirtbags kicked in the back door. Does anyone believe for a minute these POS slime balls would have said "excuse me, ma'am...wrong house" and left? Anyone that would force entry into a home, in my opinion, is guilty of a violent crime and deserves the full wrath of the home owner. I thank God, and the level headed thinking of our state government that Texas has some pretty solid legislation that protects property owner's rights to defend themselves AND their property. In a two year period I had three (count 'em, THREE) riding mowers stolen. The first was left unchained, under my bedroom window, to be picked up by the repair shop...instead got picked up in the middle of the night by scum. The next two were solidly chanied to trees.... first the chain was cut...second, mocking my attempt to deter theft, the master lock bolt was cut. County sheriff says they don't really have a requirement to investigate "theft", but would be required to investigate burglary of a building... so, I had to build another building in order to protect my rights to some modicome of law enforcement.

Would I shoot an intruder in my home..... damned right....I carry 24/7, particularly in my home. Would I shoot a thief that was trying to wheel off my riding mower..... damned good possibility. With a $1k deductible on my insurance, those dirtbags took $3000 of my life away, just in mowers..... not to mention the thousands of dollars and irreplaceable family heirlooms (including my wife's jewelery) in the home invasion/burglary.

If they are bold enough to enter your property and take that which is not theirs, I figure they are bold enough to do you bodily harm, and pose a threat.

After 24 years, you'd think I would have cooled off a bit.... HELL NO!.


surv:mad:

What is it about railroad watches. That was the most devestating item I lost as well 35 years ago. My grandfathers railroad watch. Priceless sentimental value regardless of actual cost.

[wyntrout]

Thanks for the update, Vini'. I only told Bawanna' and said not to bring it up until you made it public. I hope your wife starts carrying 24/7. This world has gotten too dangerous with all of the gangs and drug users/traffickers. I'm glad that we live in states with the Castle Doctrine, and it has been extended to vehicles as well. It used to suck that you couldn't resist. If you think they're armed or feel danger to your life, it's better to shoot first... asking them to stop or put their hands up could be too much delay.
I'm glad most of your guns were in a safe. I was kind of worried they had wiped you out. I'm home most of the time and I've been carrying my P380, especially when I'm outside the house. I used to do yard work and the house would be unlocked... not so much now. I will always be armed now, too.
I keep Boomer at my TV chair, my K9 here at the computer station and the PM9 is just a backup in between, but the little P380 has a sharp bite and I carry it or wear it about the house.
I hope that you guys can get your life back to "normal", though I know the "violation" feeling will take time to fade. We're all so glad no one was at home during the robbery. Home invasions are usually pretty violent.
Wynn:)

[In-Yo-Grill]

That .357 was my house gun. I will replace it but I guess from now on I'll put it in the safe before I leave and bring it back out when I get home from work.

I've already got one on layaway. It's a Ruger SP101. Stainless and hammerless it will be sporting a CT laser.

[recoilguy]

What a bummer sorry to hear about the invasion.

RCG

[jocko]

I have to apologize for being a little absentee this past week. I was out of town Wednesday when I got a frantic call from my wife informing me that out house had been broken into. During broad daylight to make it worse. Thank God no one was home.

The scum bags made off with the usual things like TV's, Xbox, digital camera etc...The one that stung the most was they stole the only other gun I don't keep in my safe. It was a stainless Taurus 627 which is a 7-shot .357 mag with a ported barrel. I just hate the thought that one of my guns is in the hands of BG's.

Of course I've had to deal with the peace of mind that gets "stolen" as well. I've had a tough time sleeping as every little noise brings curiosity. The good that has come out of this is my wife wanting to carry her Kahr P380 everywhere she goes. Up until now she had only viewed the gun as a home defense weapon. Now she's ready to carry 100% of the time. Music to my ears.

We hit the range yesterday and although she needs lots of work the session went very well and she really loved the gun. It had replaced her Ruger LCP since she couldn't get used to the long-long-very long trigger pull. She has committed to practicing more often and I've committed to being patient as she learns.

Anyhow I figure it will still be a couple of weeks before our lives are back to normal as we get things replaced and our front door fixed/replaced as that was the POE.

never really get over it. trust me, I was armed robbed in my gun business twice, once by shotgun and once by revolvers, both times filled my pants, both times I opted to give them what they wanted, guns were around but certainly not quick enough to beat someone who already is pointing their guns at you. It has been over 30+ years ago and I still think of it alot. was I lucky, damn right, just so glad to see my family that evening to. No hero's here either.

I still today when I go into a restaurant look for a place with my back to a wall and in as full view of the area as I can find. Course now I am packing to, and I vowed back 30+ years ago to never be a victim again. No u will never get over it, and you will view life much differently to. You will always think "what if my wife had been home? etc etc. Then it really pisses you off more. Course we all know the cops are just a phone call away and twenty minutes to get there. They always carry boxes of tape marked" CRIME SCENE". To little to late for me. Don't get me wrong I am not a rambo or soldier of fortune person but I AM AWARE ALOT MORE..

[Nitro700]

My wife and kids used to make fun of me carrying a gun on me while at the house, we live in a new housing development and what they thought crime free.
I told them there is no crime free neighborhood, well short version of long story caught three guys breaking in my truck and neighbors car and neighbor had backdoor kicked in while at home, the BG's saw her and ran, the wife and kids do not question me carrying at home anymore.

[In-Yo-Grill]

Slowly loosing faith in the SAPD...

I'm sure I'm just another statistic and probably the 100th person that had his house/apartment broken into that day. Do they really not give a hoot about trying to track down this stuff? I've called four(4) times to the police department and left messages to the different places I've been transferred but no one will call me back. I have serial numbers for the TV's but more importantly for the gun they stole.

Maybe it's me and my emotions are still running kind of high but for Christ's sake...return my phone call...!!!

[jlottmc]

That reminds me of an incident I had with Arlington PD. I had my tool box broken into and my power tools stolen. I had the serial numbers and everything and the PD would not even take a report over the phone, let alone send an officer out. I was so pissed off that when it happened again two weeks later, I didn't even bother to call. The worst part was, the pawn shops wouldn't talk to me with out a police report. None of them cared. I quit using a tool box in the bed of my truck after that. At least they give you the run around, they wouldn't even do that for me. I asked about the report, and they gave a big sigh and in a very bored/annoyed manor said they doubted anything would turn up, or that they would catch the person. The woman went farther to suggest that it was my fault some how too. Still gets me riled up.

[kramm]

I think the feeling of not being safe in your home is the worst thing about break-ins. Some one got into my shop and took some air tools and other small items. Police said the only way they find most of this kind of things is by luck, when some one is caught doing something else.

[cgo99]

My wife and kids used to make fun of me carrying a gun on me while at the house, we live in a new housing development and what they thought crime free.
I told them there is no crime free neighborhood, well short version of long story caught three guys breaking in my truck and neighbors car and neighbor had backdoor kicked in while at home, the BG's saw her and ran, the wife and kids do not question me carrying at home anymore.
My wife used to make fun of me too because I'd carry at home until the maintenance guy in our development robed, killed and abused a 93 year old woman in our development. Keep in mind that this is a guy that we would see everyday in a regular bases in our front courtyard and sometimes in the back of the houses fixing something and what not.
Just like you I don't get questioned anymore about my carrying all the time, here is link to the story (disregard the name on the link, it actually takes you to the story I mentioned).
Body of missing teenager swept away by rip current identified  (The Morning Show Channel 39/Comcast 11) -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=d4f8d64d-9761-4789-bc3c-d86203c7aede)

[Bawanna]

Slowly loosing faith in the SAPD...

I'm sure I'm just another statistic and probably the 100th person that had his house/apartment broken into that day. Do they really not give a hoot about trying to track down this stuff? I've called four(4) times to the police department and left messages to the different places I've been transferred but no one will call me back. I have serial numbers for the TV's but more importantly for the gun they stole.

Maybe it's me and my emotions are still running kind of high but for Christ's sake...return my phone call...!!!

I'm sure it's frustrating beyond belief and how this stuff is handled varies immensely from agency to agency. I hear there's agencies not far from us that no longer even respond to property crimes. All done over the phone. We still respond to lost dog calls, or kids skateboard stolen off the porch.
As someone else stated this stolen property will mostly likely only be found by pure luck and while dealing with some other kind of crime. If possible in your place I'd try to get an officers name or investigator. They should have given you a case number, you may be able to request information or provide information via their website. Here you can email individual officers. That's not to say they still don't sometimes let you down, forget, etc. They tend to focus on crimes to people. Its imperative to get those serial numbers entered into the national system so if that stuff is encountered they may catch the thief.
I'll share my story for example.
My house was broken into in early December. Money, 2 guns, grandfathers railroad watch, a pocket watch my future wife gave me with a unique inscription etc. Cops come, gave them gun serial numbers, didnt realize the watches were gone yet and a couple other things. I'm invited to a coworkers new years party and theres an officer from my local PD at the party. He doesnt even stay till midnight since he works the next morning. As he's introduced my coworker told him of my burglary so we chat. I told him about the stuff that I realized was stolen after the fact and would it do any good to report the additional items. He said it was most important cause that stuff is out in the open. Guns stay under cover and usually not found by themselves. Anyhow he leaves and the very first traffic stop he makes the next morning, he arrest the guy for something, don't recall what. Has the guy empty his pockets on the hood. Well guess what, Bawanna's pocketwatch, some jewelry and other small items are on the hood. Blind hog luck. I begged, pleaded and bribed that officer for that punks name. He wouldn't give it up. Never got the railroad watch or the guns back. I heard a rumor and actually pretty much confirmed it's truth that the guns were recovered and the corrupt chief at the time had them both in his personal possession. A civillian employee at the time told me she'd seen them in his office???????? I wasn't involved in LE at the time and all efforts to open that can of worms failed miserably. Any how stay strong, and don't give up. Most officers do care and do want to help you, but the bigger the dept sometimes the less it shows.

[kahrseye]

IYG, sorry to hear about your situation. I personally have never been robbed but my GF has. She's a pharmacist and has been robbed several times. The last time she was held at gunpoint and tied up. While this was going on the tech was pushing the panick button. My GF did everything she could to keep the bg's there while thinking the LEO's were on the way. Needless to say, they showed up after the bg's were gone about 20 min later. The police claimed that the security company didn't notify them for about 15 min. It may have been better that the police didn't show up, we could have had a hostage situation. I walked into the store just after it happened. About a month ago, I walked into her store and the first thing she asked me was "do you have your gun with you?" I said yes (I always have my gun with me), then she proceeded to tell me she thought someone was there casing the place. This time we called the police and they picked him up shortly after he left. All's well. Point is, you never know when you're going to need your gun, and you better damn well have it if you do. Good luck and God Bless.