Out of Porty Crime Report

rathbone · Post by **rathbone** » 18 Mar 2005, 13:53

We were woken up at 4a.m. this morning by someone trying to break in through the Kitchen window!!

They had cut away the beading around the glass, only to discover that we have sealed double glazing units, so they couldn't get the glass out. They then broke into the garden shed and got a spade which they used to try and force the window open. There are three good bolts which are kept locked at night, so that didn't work either. It was the sound of them trying to break the bolts which woke us up.

Unfortunately Mrs. Rathbone instinctively switched on the bedroom light, so the would be intruder scarpered over the fence into next door's garden and away.

The Police were excellent, three constables and a dog arriving within ten minutes of our call. The dog led its handler on a long treck along the gardens in our street and out into the playing fields at the back, but whoever it was had gone.

I've just finished with the SOCO team and had the house checked over by the security adviser. Fortunately he says that we have everything in place (good locks, door bolts, window bolts etc.) that we should have. I used to complain about the insurance company making us turn this place into a mini Fort Knox, but it pays after all.

Now we only have to wait for the burglar to come back. Statistically, once targetted you are 75% more likely to be visited again. I can't wait!

Mimpty · Post by **Mimpty** » 18 Mar 2005, 14:24

Sorry to hear that Rathbone - it must have been very scary. Sounds like you have one heck of a security system though!

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 18 Mar 2005, 14:35

Sounds like your would-be burglar was pretty determined Rathbone. What is really horrible is that he/she would tackle an occupied house.
Are you sure about the return rate? A work colleague was burgled over the last mid-term and was told by Police that nowadays burglars rarely return. The days of pinching your video player and returning for the brand new model that your insurance company has just stumped up for are over, according to the officers she spoke to. Supermarkets sell DVD's etc. so cheaply that there is no market for second-hand goods. Thieves are now more likely to nick cash, jewellery, credit cards or even your identity these days. As a result, I've heard, house burglary is down and muggings for phones, mp3 players, lap tops etc. are on the increase

Gemini · Post by **Gemini** » 18 Mar 2005, 20:34

One of my close neighbours had an attempted break in a few weeks back.
Fortunately she heard them trying to break the back door down.

The got away over the neighbours fence, Police (I am led to believe) did not even turn up

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 27 Mar 2005, 22:14

Mimpty wrote:Sounds like you have one heck of a security system though!

Runs in the family

(well, part of it - the other part just leave their windows and doors open....... you know who you are!)