The other day, my home was broken into. Literally- the doorframe was completely shattered, on both sides of the jamb.
That’s right- the hinges remained attached to the frame, but large chunks of the frame broke out. On the latch side, not only did large bits of frame break free, the metal bits that hold the latches were torn as if they were paper. Not pulled out – torn.
The good news is that, after propping the door open, it appears the invader stopped and entered no further. Valuables were left in plain sight in the next room, untouched. Go figure.
The door was a new, “economy” steel door pre-hung on a wood frame. Strangely enough, the door itself was not damaged – no bend, twist, bow, or denting- in the violent attack.
Sort of makes me wonder just what those frames are made of. Cake icing?
I’m sure I’ve been targeted and I’ll have a return visit. The door is far from being my only line of defense. Winter is setting in, and I’ll not fix the door until Spring. Until then, the door is held in place “Fort Apache” style. You can be sure that the new frame will be a wee bit more substantial. Say, with a layer of 1/4″ steel. I’m also a fan of full-length hinges (more attachment points). (Look at www.select-hinge.com )
Only the Lord, and my tomcat, know why they stopped when they did. They hit the door hard enough to knock things off shelves in the next room. The tomcat was missing for a bit, turning up shaking, as if from a major adrenaline dump. I almost think the gorilla was chased off by little tabby! (Where’s the video when you want one?)
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Long screws too.
Be sure to replace the hinge and lock plate screws with beefy screws long enough to anchor into the framing instead of just the jamb.
Good luck.
Much Appreciated
The mounting screws were long enough- they were NOT pulled out of place. Instead, the wood and metal tore apart. I guess solid wood just isn't what it used to be! Hence, the comment about adding a stout steel layer.
As for stuff 'worth stealing,' there were several items of particular value to them, just sitting on the desk in the next room. I won't go into any detail as to my posessions, but some items are particularly attractive. Prescription narcotics and firearms head the list, quickly followed by laptop computers, new(er) TV sets, cordless tools, and the like.
I have a 'Jobox" for my tools, and I had become somewhat lax in it's use. After all, who wants to go around unplugging things every time you leave the house? Since I'm clearly targeted, I'll have to do just that. I'll also have to bite the bullet, and pay another 'instal' fee to get the alarm system re-done every few months, as my remodel progresses. This particular dorr is a new addition; the threshold is about 3-ft. off the ground, as the planned rear deck has not yet been built.
Indeed, alarm systems are a topic worthy of their own thread. Nothing is worse than false alarms!
I think it was Dean Koontz who wrote a story about household cats that could transform into real tigers and panthers. Maybe Dean wasn't just imagining things :D
Maybe the narco squad raided the joint, realized they had the wrong house, then tiptoed away.
Obviously they peeked in, saw you didn't have anything worth stealing, and left.
(I think I mentioned a theft from my van several years back, after I'd just returned from a church work trip to New Orleans. The thieves entered my unlocked van and stole my CD player plus some cash from the glove box (and, oddly, my safety glasses). They left about $2000 worth of tools in the back.)
Kick In Type Home Invasion
As the alarm salesman told me, a kick in / home invasion is a whole different animal from a regular burglary. If they got a glimpse of what's available but didn't get a chance to take it figure they or their low life friends will be back. Our break in was via a basement window. On the return visit they tried the front door but were foiled by the heavy duty dead bolt. Sorry to hear it happened to you.....leaves you with a 'violated' feeling.
The Plot Thickens ...
A visit to the local supply house netted the comment that this years' holiday break-in wave has "started early." This suggests that a few individuals have recently arrived in town, with a 'shopping list' of places to 'visit.' The violent entry method seems their preferred method. This, in turn, suggest some "advance scouting" was done, perhaps by another individual.
It was almost funny- the yard manager seemed positively outraged by just how flakey are the door frames he's been selling. We looked closer at a few in stock and .... well, I don't know what sort of wood the frames are made of, but "balsa" comes to mind :( Kind of removes the value of buying the door 'pre-hung' when the frame is that bad.
I'm reminded of the line from "Thelma and Louise:" "These folks are either very smart or very lucky. Brains will only get you so far, and luck runs out."
Tabby Needs A Backup
How 'bout getting a backup for Tabby....large dog, large bark, large teeth!!!!!
A Backup for Tabby?
Funny you would mention that ....
When I moved here, I was advised by all that a large dog was essential. Well, that's out of the question; I'm away all day, my yard isn't secure, so it wouldn't be fair to the dog. Ironically, folks in these parts seem quite fearful / superstitious of cats; the local shelter can't give them away! Go figure ..
Now, Tabby was far from my only or last 'line of defense.' Maybe we ought to examine some of the layers in this security 'onion.'
First line are my neighbors. I make sure to give them reasons to wish me well, to care about me. That's a pretty potent line right there. Alas, they were also away at the time.
Had anyone looked in my front window, they would have seen the alarm system and Jobox. The idea is to let them know I'm not an easy target. Also visible in the carport is a camera.
Effective? Well, they made sure to not pass through the carport. BTW, "Dropcam" is a very nice camera, priced at about $150. It's a very good start. Google it.
The rear door was a new addition to the house (last spring) and was not alarmed. Frankly, I didn't want to pay the service call fees, as my remodel will require frequent alterations to keep this particular system fully effective. With the cats, motion sensors are problematic, and the glass-break sensors don't hear doors shatter. Just glass. Finally, I've had false alarm issues with this professionally installed and maintained system.
Good doors and windows are important. Here I was let down by the frame material. The wood simply wasn't nearly as substantial as I expected. You can be sure that the replacement frame will be a lot more substantial.
I had thought that, lacking any deck or stairs (yet), with the threshold at hip level, that this door was relatively safe. I was wrong.
Indeed, this door was meant to be only 'temporary.' There have always been plans to replace all my doors with 'tornado rated' doors. Such doors have much more substantial frames and multiple latch points. While not 'burglar proof' designs, they're a lot tougher. Likewise, I have not (yet) added the screen doors I like. Those also are planned as 'security' doors.
The final layer of protection is my Jobox. It works fine as long as you use it. I had become somewhat lax ("I'm just going out for lunch") and a few 'goodies' were left in the open. I've also become a bit lax about recording serial numbers, etc. Lesson learned.
Today I learned some good things on the 'alarm' front. In a word, 'Simplisafe." Google it.
It's a DIY, wireless alarm system. Until now, cameras have not been available. I'm told that they will soon offer cameras.
The best thing about Simplisafe is that you can have alarm notifications, etc., go to your smartphone and e-mail. With the addition of cameras, you can then look in and see if there's any real cause for alarm. You can then decide whether do call the Cops.
There is nothing worse for an alarm system than false alarms. When UL tests alarm systems, false alarms are thefirst thing that will fail a system. Reliability is next.
Likewise, Simplisafe claims to have solved the cat / motion sensor issue. Personally, I'm very likely to adopt this system, as soon as they get cameras.
"Response" is the only thing that stops criminals. My alarm system failed because a weak spot was exploited. The "media" and police failed in that there is still not any general awareness that we're in the midst of a wave of break-ins; seems the only guy with the 'big picture' is at the supply house!
Professional alarm system? Simplisafe? Dropcam? Harbor Freight? All have their uses, their advantages and drawbacks.
Someone mentioned feeling 'violated.' Not I. These days, it's a question of WHEN, not IF. I've been four years at this address, and so far deterrence worked. Most weakensses will be addressed in the on-going remodel, but that will take many years.
Personally ... give me a couple weeks. I just might make an appropriate hole in the front yard, add some ground beef and old clothes, then fill it in. Let stray dogs dig up a shoe, let there be a certain smell. Let folks' imaginations take over. Not as effective as a head on a pike at the end of the drive, but you never know .....
A question of WHEN
If it's just a question of when maybe it's time to move? We had our alarm system instaled in 1998. Had only 1 real false alarm i.e. could not determine the cause. Couple of false alarms, i.e. bad motion detector, mouse crawled up outside wall and nibbled the wire (?). I'm sure you know that the motion detectors can be set to take household pets into account. Pretty bold guys to hit a house with burglar alarm system signs. They must be very familiar with your neighborhood. Tabby needs to be armed!!!!!
You can run, but not hide!
I've never seen any success in moving 'away' from crime. In my particular instance, it seems the break-in wave is not limited to any particular part of town. These jackalopes seem to have a 'shopping list.'
I've encountered this sort of thing before, though usually on the job site. Some group comes into town, hits multiple targets in rapid succession, then moves on. Yes, they have a 'scout' visit in advance, or have a local contact directing them. If that's what I'm dealing with, I truly am lucky that I came off as well as I did.
The pro alarm firm .... well, I've been pretty diasppointed in them. I chose them because it seems every real business in town uses them .... pity them! The alarm company advised against motion sensors.
Still ... my days with this particular firm are limited. There are just too many things that I'm unhappy about. I think that 'Simplisafe" operation is going to really change the way alarm companies operate.
I admit I had become complacent, as well. Things were not secured, the door was not alarmed, etc.
I've just come in from "permanently" closing off that door. I expect it's secure now. Next Spring I'll have to un-do it all and replace the door with a better arrangement.
Arming cats? Ever try to bathe one? I'm not sure I'D be safe if Tabby had better weapons! :D
I've mentioned before my use of a Trail Camera - motion activated and infra red (night shots with no flash)
I put mine in a typical Blue Bird House, with the hole in the bird house lining up with the lens. Won't stop the thief at all, but you might catch him, with the photo evidence and help from the Authorities. Date stamped any everything.
I've mentioned before my use of a Trail Camera - motion activated and infra red (night shots with no flash)
I put mine in a typical Blue Bird House, with the hole in the bird house lining up with the lens. Won't stop the thief at all, but you might catch him, with the photo evidence and help from the Authorities. Date stamped any everything.