Someone broke into my car last night and stole my oak showcases, among other things..

I posted this on the CU forum, but thought I'd post it here to since, right now, I need just need to vent, could use all the sympathy I can get!

I'm still pretty bummed, sad, and very angry. When my husband went to leave for work this morning, he noticed my car doors were open, the back hatch was up, and most of the stuff I keep in the back of my car was gone. I usually keep my 3 showcases in my car (underneath a dark blanket) because the cases are made of solid oak with inlaid glass and are pretty heavy to haul in and out of the house, and I thought who would want to steal them anyway. Guess I was wrong there. The cases are kept inside heavy denim covers so you can't see what's inside the covers without removing the covers. I keep my show lamps inside the cases, so those were gone too. They also took my zippered table cover, my Ipod and radio adapter (which I left inside my sunglass case so you can't see it - and yes I know, I'm a dunce), and several brand new books on cd's that I travel with to keep me awake on my long road trips. They also took a box with some coin books, and some other coin stuff that is easily replaceable. Yes, I already know what everyone is thinking about leaving these things in my car - I just didn't think anyone would care about this type of show stuff. So please don't say it, I already know it, and if you say it, I think I'll cry some more!

So we called the police, they came very promptly and so did CSI so they could fingerprint my car - however, they didn't get any usable prints off the car (they think the thieves probably used gloves). Apparently, the thieves stuck something sharp up and under the front passenger door handle and worked the lock open and thus avoided setting off the car alarm, but now I have to get that door handle/lock replaced. So after the police arrived, my husband took off for work, and then surprisingly returned a couple minutes later. After he had driven off and gotten around the block, he discovered two of my showcases laid out on someone's front lawn, along with a couple of the lamps that had been inside. Luckily, nothing was damaged. So CSI trotted over there and fingerprinted my cases, but I told them I was at a show this past weekend and any fingerprints they get off my showcase most likely will be from the many people that leaned on or touched my case during the show. So I am not holding my breath on the police finding anyone.

I then called my insurance company, filed a claim with my auto insurance and am debating on whether to file a claim with my homeowner's insurance. It depends on the value of everything and whether it's worth it to file a homeowner's claim for this, or wait and use it when something more drastic comes along. I understand homeowner's insurance carriers will quickly cease to insure you if you file more than one claim in 3 years.

Then I called Al Arnold (another coin dealer and good friend) - he custom made my showcases about 5 years ago and I asked him if he could make me another one. He said no problem, and also said he would only charge me what he charged me back then (even though I know it costs him more now to make these cases). That was the nicest thing to happen to me today (other than my husband hugging me while I was sobbing right after I saw what all they took). I also went online to order some new table lamps, and a new table cover and case cover.

I also tried to distract myself this morning by posting that neat "possible" new 1862 Indian cent variety, and enjoyed the oohs and awws, but my mind kept turning to car and being "violated" and the things they stole. I tried to keep my mind off of all that, but it was hard. At least my husband took me Christmas shopping for my new wine chiller which was my Christmas present - so now I will have some nice chilled wine to look forward to drinking soon!

I know (and am thankful) that this is nothing like what happened to Julian, but the feeling of someone stealing from you right off your own property (my car was in my driveway and we live at the end of a cul de sac) really gets to you and gives you an unsettled feeling. Now I don't want to go anywhere for the holidays because these thieves now know that I deal in coins and where I live. I think we're going to make some changes like getting an alarm system and a big dog. Any way, as you can see, I didn't have a very good day today....

 

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Very sorry to hear that Charmy. Hopefully the dirtbag(s) will be caught.

 

I'm so sorry to hear about the thefts--that's such a shame.

Have you thought about keeping an eye on CraigsList for your area and such places to see if anyone just happens to think you won't notice them for sale?

 

Very sorry, Charmy -- that stinks. Hope the police get them.

 

I'm very sorry to hear this I also hope no one faults you for your circumstances. I hate that we live in a society in which we are expected to be proactive about our own security. As if it is our responsibility to make sure others cannot violate us. Whatever happened to individuals being responsible for their own actions? All too often I hear of someone being robbed, raped, etc. and the first words out of their "friends" mouths is blame on the victim. (I am a psychologist by profession so unfortunately I hear these stories often). I hope you are able to move past this incident with minimal interruption in your life; and I sincerely hope the individuals responsible are caught. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ben

 

Well that does not sound fun at all, terribly sorry, but at least none of your coins were stolen!

 

I feel for you Penny Lady. good luck on better days ahead

 

I'm so sorry to hear of this happening to you! I agree that it's the feeling of "being violated" that's the worst part when something like this happens. I hope they catch the edited!

Take care, Charmy!

 

Oh Charmy! I am so sorry for your loss and that you have to go through this. I've been through an expensive car break in and lost a lot of tools and camera equipment. Fortunately, my home owners policy allowed me to replace those things, but that feeling of being taken advantage of is awful. I hope in your situation that the crooks were not the type that followed you from a show as I hear that happens after people leave coin shows. Those folks may have been desperate or just selfish, either way they have some bad karma to deal with now.

 

I'm am very sorry to hear what happened to you, Charmy.
Not much more you could have done, but put the car in the garage.
Alarm System is a must have! Big dog wouldn't hurt either.
I hope many blessings come your way, and just know that we will be here with you.
Try and have a safe and happy Christmas.

 

wow, that's a real bummer!

But hey, I would have thought the same thing: who would want to steal show cases?

 

Break in

Charmy,

Have you talked to the police and asked them to pay additional attention to your house? It never hurts to have an extra cruiser or two going by.

 

Every society has offenders.

Charmy, I share your sense of loss and exposure. So much so that I can't help repeating myself, it seems...

 

Every society has offenders.

Charmy, I share your sense of loss and exposure. You need to understand that this was not random. Most likely is that the perpetrator is one of the neighbor teens who knows you. Finding no coins, they ditched the extra case, but kept the other for some use of their own or for none, really.

There is no way around this, really. And it is something to consider when you leave your home unattended.

I understand about hauling stuff in an out of the house. Whenever I leave, I always take my Macintosh even if I have no reason to use it.

[I edited a couple of times -- which is how the top mistake happened.]

 

I am so very sorry to hear that. I hope that this is not going to affect your schedule.

 

hugzzz, Charmy, I am so sorry to hear about the theft. I hope that they catch the perp(s), but more so I hope that you and your family stay safe.

 

Wow!! Sorry to hear of this..glad you found some of your things.


RickieB

 

It's horrible when this stuff happens. At least some of the stuff was recovered.
Maybe the other will be found too...

 

Really sorry to hear this Penny Lady. I am going to say a prayer for the safe return of your stuff.

 

Sorry to hear this happen to anyone, especially a member of this forum. I recently purchased a remote activated camera for the exterior, it was inexpensive and am anxious to see how it works. Just an idea to help with future protection.