While The Cat Is Away, The Mice Will Play

Police were called to investigate an Illegal Entry to a Virginia Oaks Residence on January 1, 2009. Seems a little private party took place in a home while owners were away.

Interestingly, a neighbor received a phone call saying a party had taken place at the residence. According to my sources, entry was made through basement window after screen was cut and window opened.

Since nothing was taken and only the cabinet of alcoholic beverages had been disturbed, youngsters in the neighborhood were questioned. Apparently a small party had taken place as residue from potato chips were found on the downstairs game room floor. No evidence that anyone even went upstairs.

Owners were surprised the window had been unlocked. Easy to clean and forget to re lock or even the children could open the window for some reason.

Observe simple precautions before leaving your home for a few days and always.

Please re-check your windows and doors of your home.

Forward your home phone to your cell phone. When calling, no one can tell you are not answering from your home.

Place timers on lamps to come on and go off at the time you usually have them on.

Purchase a sensor light for your back door. The light will come on as it begins to get dark.

Anyone looking for an easy target will think that someone might be in the house, and go to the next house.

Don't advertise to service people, hairdressers and house cleaners that you plan to be away. To suspend their services until you return, explain you are having house guests and need to reschedule their services.

Have newspapers and mail suspended.

Advise your neighbors that you will be gone and if family will be coming by for any reason.
Neighbors are the best to watch out for each other.

If at all possible, have a security system with connection to Police and Fire Department installed. BRINKS seem to be the least expensive.
One deterred break-in could save the loss property than would pay for the system for years.