Security advice - house broken into but nothing taken

[snoopy7548]

My brother's house was recently broken into (back door which is almost all glass was smashed), but nothing was taken and the cops dusted for fingerprints but came up with nothing. They had money/gift cards out, a couple of iPads out, a computer, and jewelry on their dresser, etc. Another house nearby was also broken into in the same manner, but I'm not sure if anything was taken.

Do you think this was a one-off thing? Either the burglar freaked out and ran, or they were testing for a security system and scoping the place out?

 

[highland145]

Kids maybe.

I can recommend the ring doorbell pro. $30/yr per camera to save the video.

 

[purbeast0]

I don't think a ring doorbell at the front door would have done much help to see what happened behind the house.

But along those notes, getting cameras now a days is pretty cheap. I've been meaning to do it but just been kind of lazy. Once I do it, I plan to put a sticker or something to let people know they are on camera, so that in case someone came with the intention, that maybe knowing they are on camera will change their mind.

I've lived in my house for over 6 years now and haven't heard of anything happening around us though so that's probably why I've been slacking.

 

[highland145]

I don't think a ring doorbell at the front door would have done much help to see what happened behind the house.

We put 2 in at Mom's.

 

[destrekor]

I've lived in my house for over 6 years now and haven't heard of anything happening around us though so that's probably why I've been slacking.

I bought my current home about 2 years ago, and was dead-set on setting up different security stuff along with going all-in on the smart home front, tying it all together. I've also been slacking on that front because this is a quiet area and I haven't heard of anything happening.

 

[clamum]

They could've been looking for drugs, perhaps.

I have a security cam pointed at my living room though I haven't set up recording through the software yet (which was a pain and I couldn't get it installed via desktop PC, only via my mobile phone where I can't do scheduled recording). But the cameras are so cheap nowdays it makes ton of sense to just get a couple.

 

[spacejamz]

Pretty happy with my Lorex 4k camera system from costco...also have a ring pro door bell and 3 indoor cams to watch my puppy.

Since we are talking about security, you definitely need to replace the screws for your door's locks using 2.5" to 3" screws. Pretty sad that most doors probably 1" screws that offer no resistance to someone kicking the door down which is the most common way to break into a home.

 

[jtvang125]

May have been accidental or the glass shattering scared them off. There's no way they would not grab small itemsin the open if they went in.

A camera or 2 will have given you an idea on what happened.

 

[ctbaars]

Dear @snoopy7548:
Sorry about taking your potted plants. I'll return them promptly.

 

[olds]

We put 2 in at Mom's.

must resist.....

 

[Mayne]

I got robbed once. All they took was my dragon shaped bong...imagine how pissed I was when I came home all high on acid with my roommates.

 

[Newbian]

Make sure he gets a new toothbrush and if you have to ask why then he needs to check the pictures on his camera's / phones for the reasons.

 

[skull]

I got robbed once. All they took was my dragon shaped bong...imagine how pissed I was when I came home all high on acid with my roommates.

I couldn't imagine being pissed on acid, it'd be like aww man how could someone take my favorite bong thats so disappointing man, I guess well just have to pack a bowl instead.

 

[IBMJunkman]

I have 3 PoE cams covering driveway, back and front of house. PoE switch, router and PC are on a UPS. There are 16 100 watt LED bulbs covering 3 sides of the house.

The side of the house with no lights has giant cactus plants in front of each window. Let someone try to get in that way.

 

[Herr Kutz]

We put 2 in at Mom's.

Pics?

 

[bononos]

...........
Do you think this was a one-off thing? Either the burglar freaked out and ran, or they were testing for a security system and scoping the place out?

Maybe the they threw something at the door and didn't step inside, Could be scoping the neighborhood out, checking if there were alarms and testing the response time.

 

[snoopy7548]

Yeah, probably checking for an alarm, but that's a pretty dumb way of doing it.

Thanks for all the suggestions. A friend of mine has Arlo cameras and loves them, but any of the wireless options look good. I thought about getting some for my house, but I'd probably DIY something if I ever get the motivation.

 

[db]

S/t like this could be payback. Perhaps a neighbor has a grudge against those two homeowners?

 

[highland145]

must resist.....

Pics?

She's 78 and on a walker. Even you guys can't be that desperate.

 

[lxskllr]

Even you guys can't be that desperate.

That's optimistic :^P

 

[Ichinisan]

Was there a rock on scene that might have been used to break the glass? Maybe nobody threw it. Could be a meteorite.

 

[KB]

Could be an animal. They live near deer?

 

[olds]

She's 78 and on a walker. Even you guys can't be that desperate.

Now you've got me curious. I'd love to see a pic of a 78 year old woman on a walker. My mom uses one and I doubt she has the strength or dexterity to get up on one much less stay balanced there.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Probably testing the waters, response time from any alarm system etc. if you don't have an alarm system probably good idea to get one or at least get some ADT stickers and couple cameras even if you don't hook them up right away. They'll be back.

 

[Kwatt]

My brother's house was recently broken into (back door which is almost all glass was smashed), but nothing was taken and the cops dusted for fingerprints but came up with nothing. They had money/gift cards out, a couple of iPads out, a computer, and jewelry on their dresser, etc. Another house nearby was also broken into in the same manner, but I'm not sure if anything was taken.

Do you think this was a one-off thing? Either the burglar freaked out and ran, or they were testing for a security system and scoping the place out?

That sounds like what happened to Steven Wright. He claimed someone broke into his place and replaced everything with an exact duplicate.

.