sorry to hear you are going through this, I will say thank you though, your story had me take a 2 hour round trip drive home to secure the guns I had sitting around. I have also gotten a little lax.

quote:

Originally posted by ACTEG:
I put the blame on myself for this and am learning the hard way unfortunately.

Don't beat yourself up. You're not the criminal.

quote:

Originally posted by a1abdj:

I'd be tempted to set up cameras, then find a reason to make small talk with the neighbor. Tell him you are glad you weren't going to buy your boat until this next weekend, because your money was still in the bank. HA! Stupid criminals. Money is there this weekend, not last! And the idiots didn't even find the safe with the coin collection. Total amateurs.

Then wait.

I'm not sure this is a good idea, although it's tempting. Not only does it sound like it may be entrapment but do you really want to invite them to come back? You could be outnumbered by armed goons with no reservations about coming in shooting. Do you really want to be in a shootout? Anyway, that's my opinion.

INCOMING! You've got email. I have an older Mossberg 500A that I will drive over for you to borrow until you can find what you're looking for.

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
No matter what system you choose, make sure it has a cellular backup. Burglars often cut phone lines to disable alarms.

I've never understood why the phone lines don't always come in underground. I had that done when our home was built for exactly the reason you mentioned.

If it hasn't been said yet I would take your gun serial numbers to local pawn shops to see if they show up. Did you have home owners or renters insurance?

Because it's more expense for everyone involved in the installation (phone company, house developer, etc.)

quote:

Originally posted by MNSIG:

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
No matter what system you choose, make sure it has a cellular backup. Burglars often cut phone lines to disable alarms.

I've never understood why the phone lines don't always come in underground. I had that done when our home was built for exactly the reason you mentioned.

quote:

Originally posted by MNSIG:

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
No matter what system you choose, make sure it has a cellular backup. Burglars often cut phone lines to disable alarms.

I've never understood why the phone lines don't always come in underground. I had that done when our home was built for exactly the reason you mentioned.

He stated his house is nearly 100 years old. Underground utilities are more money to initially install, especially where existing infrastructure already exists (decks, patios, landscaping, driveways, etc), and typically are only seen in new construction where the cost can be amortized into the loan. They are also more expensive to fix if something does go wrong.

To the OP:
Do not become over confident in a gun safe. A portable metal saw with a good blade can peel off a side in just a few minutes. This makes a lot of noise, and this is what acts as a deterrent, along with your security system.

quote:

Originally posted by mod29:

quote:

Originally posted by ACTEG:
I put the blame on myself for this and am learning the hard way unfortunately.

Don't beat yourself up. You're not the criminal.

This all totally sucks, but you are not to blame. Only the filthy thieves are to blame. I hope they catch them and you get some stuff back and some resolution.

quote:

Originally posted by ACTEG:
I know I lapsed in my security measures and was irresponsible with my guns and my conversation with my friend/neighbor. I put the blame on myself for this and am learning the hard way unfortunately.

Don't beat yourself up too badly. Just badly enough that you're not likely to repeat the mistakes

I never discuss the contents of our home, of any type, much less firearms, with neighbours. In fact: I strive to remain just close enough to my neighbours to stay on good speaking terms with them, and no more.

I keep an eye on their homes. I hope they're doing the same for me.

I allowed our home security to lapse badly for a while. I fixed it a year ago or so. Now it's better than ever. I still plan to add video surveillance, yet.

As for wires: We'll soon have LTE network connectivity backup and automatic fail-over.

When the man cave is done, the safe will be relocated there. I'm toying with the idea of replacing the cheap interior door with a solid wood door, and putting an exterior style lock set on it, keyed differently than the external entrances. It won't stop 'em once they get inside, but, it will slow them down a bit.

All, I'd like to say thanks to everyone who has offered advice, and a very special thank you to the local forum members who reached out to me personally and offered assistance.

Without getting into too much detail, I have taken the necessary steps to secure and defend the house. The authorities are following some leads, hopefully those leads bear fruit, and they catch the perpetrators.

I was pretty stressed out and couldn't sleep for a few days, and my girlfriend has been really affected. She doesn't feel safe anywhere anymore, especially in our home. Our whole routine has changed, and we are approaching our personal relationships very differently now.

Regarding insurance and serial numbers. I have serial numbers for half of the guns. I took pictures of everything before the last hurricane, but those pictures are on my laptop which was stolen. My insurance only covers a certain amount for guns, it is not even close to the value of the guns, but that's my fault for not updating the policy over the years as I added more guns to the stable. I didn't realize that the total loss coverage was compartmentalized. It's another tough lesson, but it is what it is.

I've been happy with SimpliSafe, but I have no experience with cameras.

quote:

Originally posted by Rotndad:
INCOMING! You've got email. I have an older Mossberg 500A that I will drive over for you to borrow until you can find what you're looking for.

Cockles status: warmed

quote:

My insurance only covers a certain amount for guns, it is not even close to the value of the guns, but that's my fault for not updating the policy over the years as I added more guns to the stable. I didn't realize that the total loss coverage was compartmentalized. It's another tough lesson, but it is what it is.

Are you an NRA member, I think there is some basic coverage for firearms for being a member there is a basic $2,500 in coverage, might not get you whole but it's better than nothing.

I opted for $10,000 in coverage from the NRA and it is $94 a year, a bargain.

https://mynrainsurance.com/ins...ign=insuremyguns.com


Were you able to locate the safe you want and get it installed?

I agree don't beat yourself up too bad.

But absolutely get a safe asap. It doesn't have to be a $2,500 top-of-the-line model to be effective vs. a meth-head.

I would advise to get a dial lock - not an electronic key pad lock. For the cost of like one and a half nice pistols you could get something decent.

Good luck-

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quote:

Burglars often cut phone lines to disable alarms.

Copper phone lines are history. Verizon doesn't keep them up and the quality is terrible. More and more are going broadband or totally cellular.