BS: Middle of the Night B&E

Subject: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Tinker
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 11:13 AM

Around 3am someone(large male ski masked ) broke a window in the cellar door, woke up my 12 year old son , had him come wake us, to quietly hear " Listen to your son...I don't want to hurt you, just give me your cash" my husband had just taken $20 from the ATM. Honestly all we had.
Bubba(100lbs of dog) of course slept through it in the next room behind closed doors. He told us not to call the cops,but we did and spent the rest of the night with police,a K-9 unit and very awake Zach.
The guy walked theough the house and took nothing. Walked by Ipod and video camera. Interesting, for the first time in a month I took my dragon pen out of the basement yesterday to go to a meeting. It was still in my coat pocket and not sitting next to the break-in door. No feeling of malevalance at all -- just business and a hope we wouldn't be stupid.

Nothing was touched, but I think I'll be cleaning for a long while.

The glass guy just left and a locksmith will be here at 2 to add a few more locks.

Tinker

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Wesley S
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 11:16 AM

Yuk - what a sense of violation you must be feeling. Pissed off too. I glad that all you've lost is 20 bucks and a feeling of safety. It could have been a lot worse of course.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Amos
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 11:21 AM

Ayiyiyiyi, Tink!! How gruesome.

I am delighted that it was a close brush, rather than something much worse. But man, I'd be spinning.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Tinker
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 11:39 AM

Yes, everything stayed very calm. Nearly surreally so. But I seem to be in High Cleaning Mode. For those Mudcatter's who've visted you know that is not a usual primary concern. BG. Luckily I was able to find a locksmith who can come today. I have a feeling falling asleep tonight may be a little tougher than usual.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 11:43 AM

My gawd Tink.........Glad you are all okay physically. Mentally, it takes some time to get past that sort of thing, if you ever really do.

A few weeks ago, 2 kids from a juvy penal center out the road about 10 miles, took the van out of my garage as I slept in the family room, just an unlocked door away. Never heard a thing, sound asleep. They could have waltzed in, killed the boys and I and been gone. They were caught about 15 miles away driving without lights.

The van was fine but mentally, I waws a wreck. I've made a few security changes!   This old, peaceful, quiet, village, where no one locks up has been a target the past year and those days are now long gone.

Tkae care and do your best to do whatever you need to do to make yourself more secure. After making the changes here, my biggest problem is that I've locked myself out a few times!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 11:47 AM

There are no words that can describe that feelling of violation - even if you personally weren't touched... I can understand the cleaning frenzy... but think of it this way ~ you've got a jump start on next Spring!

Take care and don't be afraid to check everything out several times... do it now and get it out of your systems or else it'll bug you for the rest of your life!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Tinker
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 12:00 PM

I made multiple phone calls til I found I locksmith that would come today. It was real important to me that there be new deadbolts both leading to the cellar from the house and on the inside exit door.

My basement was probably once a speakeasy and has a walk in rear entrance with a door at ground level and another as you enter the basement. We had replaced the ground level door when we moved in with what I thought was a good solid door. But all the rain we had this summer and fall warpped it beyond closing and I hadn't replaced it yet. Like Catspaw it just didn't seem critical in this quiet neighborhood. It's a custom size door, so I guess I better start researching.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Ebbie
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 12:08 PM

As they say, I'd rather face a professional thief than an amateur one. But how scary. I'm so glad that it ended as it did. Sometimes I tell myself that with x numbers of something happening in the world/country/state/town we're in, sometimes it will happen to me. Helps a little.

I have a question, though. What is a 'dragon pen'?

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Tinker
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 12:16 PM

Dragon Pen It's the pen I use to journal and not of great cost but I'd hate to lose it.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 12:30 PM

Probably damned lucky for this idiot that you didn't have your dragon pen close by. Tinker gave me one of these as a gift (and everyone tries to talk me out of it btw) and should you hold it like a roll of quarters in your hand, and hit someone, the effect would be the same!! Dude is heavy, and very well balanced.

Keep your head right, sweetie, and mind the kids. Glad you are beefing up security. Shit, I hate hearing this.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 12:37 PM

Several years ago our front door was kicked in and my wife's purse taken. We didn't feel so much violated as really, really pissed off -- the cash in the purse was to be used for a visit by my brother, sister-in-law, and their kids. We had the credit cards, etc. taken care of before we went to bed -- but it was a couple months before the front door was repaired.

The next Saturday, I awakened and found that the glass in the kitchen door had been broken in an obvious attempt to get in. SURPRISE! We'd installed a 1/4" plexiglass panel inside which covered the whole door glass. Replacing the glass was a pain (no, I'm not at all sorry!) but I can only imagine the feelings of the baddy when he discovered the internal "vandal panel."

So, take care. There may be another attempt soon!

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Morticia
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 12:41 PM

Glad you and yours are okay, be kind to yourself if delayed shock hits.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Bee
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 12:55 PM

Glad you're okay.

My, I do hate thieves worse'n pizen.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 03:51 PM

{{{{{TINK & Family}}}}}}}

REALLY glad you are all okay, physically. I think Bubba needs a yappie pal! I've read most professional thieves will not bother with a house in which a dog barks. It doesn't have to be a big dog, just mouthy, at appropriate times, of course.:-)

May the Light of the God/Goddess surround, protect, and enfold you all. So mote it be!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Tinker
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 04:56 PM

Okay the door is repaired and there are now two deadbolted doors between outside and the house level.

Zach came home from school having processed things a bit to tell me it was like living an R rated movie. Although until reminded I actually did not remember waking up and saying,"Who the F*** are you ? Get the Hell out of my house." And Dad getting out of bed to get cash in a rather undressed state .... well he got all kinds of rude behavior in one major episode. And the theif actually talked calmly and called him young man.... Oh well I guess we'll just be the talk of middle school for a while.....

I'm really glad the 2 older boys slept through the whole thing. They're at the young and invincible stage cool and calm would not have been the style.

Thanks guys for all the care. When the world slips off kilter it's nice to have a bit of balast.

Tink

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Mr Red
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 05:27 PM

Women usually feel the sense of violatin more acutely but it is a personal thing.

I put in internal bolts on doors and hinge bolts as well. But I am not so sure I would like them locked when at home. Though the route to the outside from the bedroom by-passes those doors. The bolts are used when I go away weekends. The doors themselves are almost like cardboard but a burglar would not bother if he sussed-out the house - it takes too long and too much noise to get through them especially when they realised the hinge bolts where more substatial than the doors.

You can get cameras that e-mail the picture via cell phones - business types would not like to leave such evidence.

I also put in a webcam - USB to a PC in a hidden location, I have more than one PC. Let them find it.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Gizmo
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 06:02 PM

Hi, I know I don't know you Tink, but all my best to you and yours. It was a horrid thing that happened, and gives me the creeps enough to make me want to do a full house clean, security check etc.

Many, mnay years ago, my parents were burgled and the living room was a mess. Fortunately, all the money was upstairs in a piggy bank.

I remember my mum obsessively cleaning, and shortly afterwards we got a much tighter security system, and touch wood, they have not been broken in since.

I'm glad to hear your son is not wholly unfazed by the incident.

All my wishes to you,
from
Nicolette

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 06:22 PM

Glad he was polite and only wanted money and didn't get upset when the take was so small.

We've been broken into but not, thank God, when we were actually home -- or worse yet, asleep. I shiver just thinking about it.

Yeah, it's going to take a looooong time before you can sleep peacefully again or feel relaxed in the house.

I'm still nervous as a three tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs after having two cars shot out from under me (neither accident my fault) within two weeks of each other back in September. I feel as if everyone is aiming at my car and I'm (irrationally and for the first time) terrified of hitting a deer on the way home in the dark (despite actually hitting a deer a year ago with no damage and no mental trauma).

Geeze, really glad you're all okay, though. AND that you've added to the security of the house.

Poor Bubba! It'll be awhile before he lives this down!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 06:46 PM

Tink, not to worry you, but that was a very close call and he, or someone else, may be back. Also, you (whole family) may have some feelings surface about and around this for awhile. I, for one, would be perfectly happy to get late-night phone calls from you ANY TIME you have the willies, and I'll PM you the number.

The best weapon, they say, for a woman, is a hammer under the pillow-- it's the right length and weight for typical female upper-body strength and can be swung into someone's head if they are pinning you down, with sure effect. Please put one there, tonight.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Tinker
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 07:22 PM

I just finished a full house tour with three detectives. Bubba will now have full house privledges at night. ( I'll share the bedroom with Bubba before a stranger anyday.) The detectives are sorry this guy didn't meet Bubba. There are alot of pieces about this that don't quite fit together, but the cops are taking it very seriously. Actually more concerned that nothing else was taken and that we were deliberately awakened. Emotionally the guy left no trail at all. No anger, anxiety, stress, fear - if the window hadn't been broken it would be hard to know he had been here.



Susan, I apprieciate your concern and we are being very careful.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: GUEST,lox
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 07:54 PM

I'd go easy on the having a weapon ready thing.

Something like 80% of gunshot victims get shot with their own gun (this statistic comes from "archive" memory, if you get my gist, so feel free to correct or confirm at will folks).

Anyway, the percentage is high enough to be able to say fairly categorically that you're safer if you don't have a weapon.

I wouldn't want to be lying on my bed with someone leaning over me trying to get a hammer out from under my pillow and then have it taken off me whilst in that position (not to mention it wouldn't be very comfortable).

Tactically it makes no sense.

I do Ju Jitsu and know all about defending yourself on your back and hiting upwards is pretty pointless as you have no body weight behind you. Especially if you are a woman fighting up against a man.

Eyes and testicles are vulnerable in an assailant, and you can quickly incapacitate the meanest meathead if you get a half decent grip on either.

Best to go for both, he will instinctively defend one, leaving the other open.

If he does manege to grab both hands, that means he'll have none left to stop your knee as it plants itself in his groin in a permanent fashion.

But back to Susan's point,

Imagine if you'd had a gun, how much worse it could have turned out.

Would you have wanted your son to witness a murder - of anyone in the room? or worse be killed himself?

Bringing out a hammer might just make the burglar panic - especially in a room full of family members all panicking too - and then your son might really have witnessed something much more seriously traumatizing.

Thank God that wasn't the case. Staying calm and thinking was clearly the right option this time.

Well done!

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Alba
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 08:12 PM

I am so relieved to hear that You and Yours are all physically ok after (what I can only think of when I read your description of this event) what sounds like a very bizzare and creepily invasive experience Tinker.

{{{{{{{HUGE HUGS}}}}}}}

Very Weird.
$20!!
Your Basement used to be a speakeasy? Interesting.

Glad you have changed locks and secured your Earthly Dwelling. Cleansing...indeed. I am sure you have been working very hard today Banishing that energy!


Time for a Circle around your Home.

...and harm thee none, so mote it be.

Blessed Be. Again I am glad to know, that although I am sure you are all shaken and stirred, you all remained physically unharmed.

Love and Light as always,
Jude

BUBBA....WAKE UP!!! (smile)

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 09:05 PM

IF you want a weapon I suggest a piece of closet rod about 30 inches long. Then find a cop or GOOD martial artist who'll teach you how to use it as a nightstick. You can break a wrist with it with little effort, you can jab it into a solar plexus, swing it up between a man's legs, break kneecaps, jaws, and noses.

And if you have a GOOD jui-jitsu instructor in town, I highly recommend lessons. You needn't be a black belt -- all you need for self-defense is calm, thinking, and really KNOWING and being willing to USE no more than a half-dozen holds, throws, and escapes. All the knowledge in the world won't help if you don't have the will to fight -- fight with the knowledge that you WILL hurt someone who is going to hurt you.

Talk your way out if you can, run if you can, fight only if you absolutely have no other choice -- and then fight all out, no holds barred, as if your life depended upon it (which it would).

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 10:04 PM

Folks, I think it'd be a lot better for Tink if we spared her any horror stories or thoughts of any "future" scenarios, at least in this thread. I am sure her imagination has no problem conjuring some on its own.

As to weapons, a can of spray paint aimed at the eyes will cause an instant release of any victim.

Tinker, sounds as though you've done everything you can to be safe.You will all be held in my thoughts and heart while I give thanks for your continued safety and peace of mind.

I don't think, however, you should kick hubby out just to sleep with Bubba?!**bg**

luvyabuncheskat

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Linda Goodman Zebooker
Date: 08 Dec 06 - 07:55 AM

So glad you are all safe. Keep talking to people about it until you are ready to let it go.

Linda

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Dec 06 - 08:42 AM

The best defense you can have is a cell phone and a strong locked door between you and yours and the bad guys.

Tink, talk it out. It helps. I know.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: gnu
Date: 08 Dec 06 - 01:36 PM

Spray paint is great. So are WD40, tire repair sealants, chain lube, etc. But, the ultimate is a SuperSoaker watergun loaded with vinegar, or, for the more violent, bleach.

Just thankful to hear you and yours are okay, Tinker.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: GUEST,lox
Date: 08 Dec 06 - 03:27 PM

The imagination is a wonderful thing isn't it?!?!?!

Perhaps you'd be best off sleeping in the garage ;'p

plenty of spray paint, wd-40, hammers etc in there.

I think you did well.

You express relief that the burglar stayed calm.

You played a big part in ensuring that, whether you are aware of it or not.

If you stay calm, you create an atmosphere of calm and that is what happened.

If you'd freaked he probably would have too.

All credit to you for reacting the way you did.

Well done again.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Alba
Date: 08 Dec 06 - 03:29 PM

You have in one Lox.

"If you stay calm, you create an atmosphere of calm and that is what happened."

More Power to you and yours Tinker..
Love and Light
Jude

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Tinker
Date: 08 Dec 06 - 06:24 PM

Well, my son decided to spend the night on the couch last night and the dog took the love seat. A detective on the case is quoted this morning describing the situation as "Very Odd. Very Odd." in the local paper.

I've been telling the story freely to folks and Lox, I do feel very good about how the situation came down. The last thing I wanted was for anyone to get hurt. And if it cost $20 to get him to leave quickly then that was a solution that truly harmed none.

Looking back both my husband and I are happy the dog slept. Knowing now that he took nothing and no other break-ins were reported, the heavy bag in his hand was probably a weapon. Bubba will regain free run of the house, but sometimes things work out the best way for the hand dealt.

Thanks for the reinforcement and support. First you talk out... Luckily we didn't have to go further...

Jude, this old house is really huge and it's cleaning often escapes me, but the basement where he entered has already been dealt with and I'm moving up the stairs with due and diligent speed. For the remainder of the Holiday season as I clean and decorate there will be a few added blessings and thanksgivings added in. I think perhaps a house blessing celebration will be in the works for the new year to "top off" and begin anew.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Barry Finn
Date: 08 Dec 06 - 07:25 PM

Hi Tinker
I'm glad to hear things went so well, much better than what would normally be expected. You actions are to be commended. You weren't the victim of a B&E at nighttime, you were the victims of what's called "Home Invasion" & the police are right to be very concern. The reason it a much more serious offence & carries a far heavier sentence is because the chance is for panic & then violence is pretty high. You couldn't have handled confronting the intruder better. You kept things calm & gave up what wasn't worth keeping. Lives have been lost for a lot less. As for keeping weapons around, don't, unless some one gets training in the use of them. As for what kind of traing I'd say any of the Filipino Martial Arts (Escrima, Kali or Arnis) would be the better. It's a stick & dagger style first then only after mastering that you go on to an open handed style. So you learn weapons 1st instead of last, rather than you would with many of the other Arts, if at all.
Anyway it's good to know that you've got the skills to take a bad situation & keep it in your control, at least as much as possible & have it coming out better than it could've been.
You need to have a talk with Bubba.

Barry

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 08 Dec 06 - 07:41 PM

Tinker -- what an awful situation. So glad it is behind you. Don;t you just get pissed off when people behave in a way that forces you to change your lifestyle? Having met Bubba, I would say let him have the run of the house -- at heart he is like our bull mastiff, Asha, a pussy cat - but these big dogs do look scarey. We had some kids break into our house years ago and took, of all things - wrapped Christmas gifts -- the feeling of violation was there. My sister in England has been broken into three times - my brother in law plans to leave a note saying - door open, come in - make yourself some tea - no valuables left.....leave quickly.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Dec 06 - 10:44 PM

The worst part, for me anyway, is knowing that it could happen again.

If I ever have to sleep with weapon every night I'll move. Under normal circumstances NOBODY should need to sleep with a weapon at hand!

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Little Hawk
Date: 08 Dec 06 - 10:58 PM

This sort of thing is sort of like winning a lottery...only in the complete opposite sense. You never know when it will happen or who it will happen to...but it could be you.

And we all hope it won't be.

I once worked with a guy who'd been a very wild boy in his youth and had done a lot of breakins. He never did a home invasion. They only went in if no one was around. The sad thing is, he would take what valuable items he could find and then totally trash the place! Imagine coming home to that. You are fortunate that this guy only took $20 and left peacefully.

Well, by the time I knew my work buddy, he had put that stuff long behind him. Some people learn, some don't.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 Dec 06 - 11:25 PM

Rap ...... how many friggin' times you going to tell them to sit up nights worryin' about it happening again??????? It appears to me that they fully understand, have taken all the right steps, are dealing with the mental anguish. I think they get it buddy.

Tink, did the young man let you know I called today?

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Tinker
Date: 09 Dec 06 - 07:32 AM

I didn't get a phone message Mick. But then again I have 3 teenage boys. Bedtime routine is back to normal --except Bubba's door is now left open. We'll see how long it takes before he moves to a larger bed.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Dec 06 - 09:30 AM

You're right, Mick. Sorry, folks.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Dec 06 - 09:51 AM

Rap, sorry about the ornery nature of that post. It was the end of a 14 hour day and I was cranky. I do think they understand clearly and are doing all the right things, and I am sure they (as I) appreciate the concern you are showing. Ignore me when I am being an asshole.

Tink, I called in the mid afternoon to check on you. The lad said (I think) that you were having some car work done? I think that was it. Actually I was in East Orange, I should have just stopped by.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Dec 06 - 02:37 PM

Relax Rap.....You just got Mick to say he is a giant asshole, something that has been all too clear to many of us for a long time.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Tinker
Date: 09 Dec 06 - 03:20 PM

Mick, I had actually gone out to replace a winter coat that one of the boys left somewhere???? We were back within the hour. You should have stopped by if you were only a few minutes away.

The only issue now is the combination of encouraging my son to talk it out and not scaring 12 year old girls to sleepless nights fearing they are next. There have been lots of security checks here abouts the last few days. And some frank discussions on why fighting first is not the best option. The opinion of my husband's negotiation skills has risen at work. And I've learnt way more than I ever wanted to know about folks usual pattern of bedtime attire (or lack thereof). Have we had a thread on that ???

Rap, I've been in situations where the first two options weren't enough, but that truly only renforces that violence needs to be a last resort. My first priority is that my kids feel safe and we seem to be well on the road to making that happen. Yes, we are checking locks at a more frequent rate, but because things never felt out of control that particular atmosphere never took hold. All care and concern is truely appreiciated.

tink

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Dec 06 - 03:25 PM

I'm suffering from physical security-itis. Having once done physical security (for the Army CID, in another life, between stints in the Infantry) I was infected because I also saw what the results can be. We're also working on replacing a basement entrance door and the -itis comes back full bore.

If I can lend 40+ year old expertise, please ask.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: kendall
Date: 10 Dec 06 - 09:09 AM

Most people should not rely on a weapon for defense. If you are not trained in its use, it could get you killed.
I pray that no one ever enters my home in the night time because it will be a bad day for both of us.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Dec 06 - 09:37 AM

Tink - I've just found this thread. I'm so glad that you are all OK and that the loss was so minimal.

Sounds as if you are handling the whole thing in exactly the right way. Good wishes to you all.

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Dec 06 - 10:05 AM

I am so sorry Tink. Poor Zach. He should be congratulated for remaining so level headed.

Let him talk. Talk yourself. Cleaning the negative energy out will help. I will light a candle for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday anyway.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Dec 06 - 10:30 AM

We had a burglary here almost two years ago. Three guys kicked in the door, hauled out computers, tvs, games, peripherals. They were never caught. I worried that they might come back later, after I'd had time to replace things. I now have two dogs who live in the back yard and sleep in the garage with its side door open. If I feel alarmed I can unlock the ornamental wrought iron and let them into the house through my bedroom window if I can't get to the living room sliding glass door (that also has ornamental iron). If someone is breaking in, two noisy dogs (pit bull and catahoula, and I think the catahoula is the one a burglar should worry about) will help.

It took probably 18 months to financially recover from the burglary, because I upgraded security windows and doors.

Odd that your burglar asked for cash after your spouse had been to the ATM. Do you think he followed him home, and made himself a note to come by later in the night?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Middle of the Night B&E
From: Tinker
Date: 11 Dec 06 - 10:53 AM

The police asked that too. Actually the cash came from the supermarket which is also highly visible. Particualrly as I yelled over to him as he read magazines -- Do you need cash for the train tommorrow?   They should have listened to the next line -- I'll take out 20 then.

Our 100lb Newfie/Shepard mix is very happy with wandering the house at night again.