My house was broken into today

[Tar Heel]

My wife and I left our house about 11 AM and returned at 1:40 PM. During the time we were gone some @#$ broke into the house. It was quite a shock to see the back door kicked in when we got back. We did not enter the house and called 911. I waited for the Chapel Hill Police for about 30 minutes during which time I kept wondering what condition we would find the interior in when we entered. We were quite surprised and pleased to see that it had not been trashed. I imagined finding drawers emptied on the floor, etc. which was not the case. I knew, without looking that my S & W 38 revolver would not be in the night stand drawer and it wasn't. My wife's jewelry box had been opened but we were out of town a week ago and she had taken everything to the safe deposit box at the bank. My notebook computer on the floor beside my chair was not taken. The only thing taken was my gun and a jar with about $30 of change in it.

You can't imagine how $%^&#$ off I am. But I know that we were very lucky that nothing more was taken. There is an alarm system in my immediate future. Also going to get a gun permit tomorrow so that I can replace my weapon.

[FredP]

I know what you are feeling! happened to us several years ago. its not about whats missing its more about feeling violated. hope they find the person responsible and you get your stuff back. we never did.

fred

[DaveO]

Stuart I am very sorry to hear that. I am glad that not too much was taken. But unfortunately there is now a #&*%@ moronic idiot out there with a .38 and $30 bucks in change. People that steal aren't intelligent enough to earn it on their own

Dave

[ErnieM]

Stuart
So sorry to hear the bad news but so glad that you and your wife weren't hurt. Hope they catch the jerk before he hurts someone.
Ernie

[BKind2Anmls]

That is terrible...and scary. I hate to sound like an old fogey but I just don't understand society today. I work at a prison and believe it or not, there are individuals who believe they are entitled to other people's stuff. Respect for others and others' property is erroding. I hope you and your family can get back to feeling comfortable quickly. An alarm system will probably make you feel a whole lot better, but it's a shame that it is necessary.

---Susan

[Ray Martin]

Stuart,

Sorry to hear about the break-in... I'm just glad that you and your wife are OK. Stuff can be replaced. You can't.

Ray

[cskipper]

Man that really stinks!!!! Glad you both are okay. Makes me worry being gone for 12-13 hours at a time, left alone just a few.

[Mike Davis]

Sorry to hear about your break in, a friend at work went though the same a few weeks ago. The police called him yesterday and told him they caught the guy, he had robbed a lady at gunpoint and took her card to the ATM, nice video of him and his cousin. Hope it holds up in court.

When you get that permit be sure to get a CCW to go with it. And never walk into a house that may be occupied by a burglar in progress.

You did the right thing waiting for the police.

[TracyP]

Glad everyone is ok. Unfortunately as the economy slips downhill we will see more of this. I just hope they catch them.

[scsmith42]

Stuart, my sympathies regarding your loss, but I'm glad that it wasn't worse.

I don't know about Chapel Hill, but in NC you do not need a permit to purchase a firearm. The "instant-check" background process usually will clear you immediately, but if not it's only a few days wait.

I second the recommendation about obtaining a concealed carry permit. The classes are very beneficial (in terms of helping you understand the law).

Regards,

Scott

[Bas]

Stuart, my sympathies. An alarm system is not a bad idea, if only to serve as a deterrent. Most criminals tend to pick the easier target, an alarm system won't stop a lot of people but it will make you a less appealing mark.

Good to hear the financial damage was limited, but the fact that someone was in the house must really suck. That's quite scary.

[Glennbear]

I am sorry you were victimized Stuart, I can only echo the thoughts that others have expressed. What Susan says is very true but after spending a number of years wearing a badge I learned that a majority of criminals have the skewed sense of entitlement which enables them to overcome any sense of right or wrong which the rest of us take for granted.

[LeftyTom]

Sorry about your day going downhill, Stuart. You did all you could...waiting for the police. You were smart in not entering your home, as the ne'er-do-well may have been inside.

[woodguy1975]

That really sucks dude!!!!!!! I'd be riding around looking for punks in the area with a large bat.

[Mike Davis]

That would not be very smart, they stole his gun. Never bring a bat to a gun fight.