Tragedy -HELP!

[Jsc37]

There has been a rash of break ins dubbed the “dinner-time burglaries” in my part of the country apparently by South American organized crime rings. Several dozen in the last few months in affluent neighborhoods that typically see very little crime. My understanding is they are also hiting California. The burglars break in around dinner time when families are out and target the master bedroom going for jewelry and and purses. They hit homes that back to golf courses or open area like washes. Usually in gated communities - they get in by foot via the golf course/wash. I see a lot of mention of security cameras - they are nice to have overall, but do nothing to deter this group. There is a ton of footage of them in their full mask and dark clothing.

[ROLEX MAN]

Crap like this really hurts me to the bone!!

SOOOOO SORRY

[1William]

Sorry to hear this.

[GONZO2LR]

Sorry to hear about your lose, very sad to read, i've been burglarized twice in my homes. You feel like a victim and dont trust anyone....mine were random, they were hit and miss....grab what you see....and others they wipe you out of everything. My parents had across the street neighbors, they were hit by professionals, a moving/delivery company bob tale truck and men in jumpsuits, they every waved to my mother, they took everything out of their home, even the light bulbs and bathroom paper, drapes and venation blinds, everything...sorry to hear you didnt insure your watches...

I hope you get some of them soon....

[travisb]

That's awful! I'm very sorry to hear.

[kunlun]

I'd like to point out here that if you do not have a TL-15 or TL-30 safe which is also bolted to the floor, then you do not a safe, you have a convenient carrying case for robbers to take your most precious things.

[Jackie Daytona]

So sorry to hear this. That’s really awful. I hope they somehow find their way back to you promptly.

[Jackie Daytona]

So sorry to hear this. That’s really awful. I hope they somehow find their way back to you promptly.

[georgew]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

Get a professionally installed alarm system that is monitored 24/7 so the police will be dispatched. I’ve seen so much grainy video online from do-it-yourself alarm systems with the caption, “does anybody recognize these people who robbed me?” Nobody ever does. A monitored alarm system can have motion detectors, glass break detectors, door and window opening detectors, cameras as well as smoke/Co2 detectors and water leak detectors. Monthly monitoring is cheap, the install cost is a one time charge and you can have more detectors added to your system over time. Taking pictures of criminals is not enough, make sure a monitoring company can call and dispatch the cops.

Unfortunately, this is the level you should be at for some semblance of deterrence & "security". I went to this level 20 yrs ago or so at the house, then again 3 yrs ago when we moved into our condo. And I tend to be very aware when parking into the garage - especially at night (followed home etc). Our condo complex is a bit out of the way and doesn;t flash high end money either - but being careful anyway.

[TimeLord2]

So very sorry to hear this Jedione65! Hoping you recover all of your stolen items.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by kunlun

I'd like to point out here that if you do not have a TL-15 or TL-30 safe which is also bolted to the floor, then you do not a safe, you have a convenient carrying case for robbers to take your most precious things.

It may be convenient, but it is still very heavy. Agree, safe should be permanently affixed to the floor.

[DougUSMC]

That's terrible news, sorry for your loss!

[nighthawk77]

Sorry to hear - hope you’re able to recover them quickly

[jedione65]

I wonder if I can just report the stolen watches to Rolex Beverly Hills service center?
I’m also curious what other steps the LAPD can take in this investigation. They sent someone from forensics but couldn’t really get any prints since most of our furniture and fixtures is wood.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by Moondoggy

CCTV is of course worthwhile we have plenty of it, but most of these vermin do not care.

It's a jungle out there.

It doesn't matter. Police rarely follow up property crimes these days.

[WatchEnthusiast7369]

Originally Posted by 4reRlxGuy

Just a thought - when our family got burglarized years ago and they were able to get into our safe.

I hired a security expert to attempt to make it impossible for another break in (by pass the alarm and get into the safe). They said the easiest way to get what they want is to simply wait in from of the house and put a gun to your head when you park in the garage .

Private vaults and safety deposit boxes are the way to go for large collections. Home invasions are getting more common unfortunately.

What value amount would you put on a large collection?

[wesdaniel]

Originally Posted by jedione65

I wonder if I can just report the stolen watches to Rolex Beverly Hills service center?
I’m also curious what other steps the LAPD can take in this investigation. They sent someone from forensics but couldn’t really get any prints since most of our furniture and fixtures is wood.

Going back to my prior post in this thread:

Originally Posted by wesdaniel

You can file a stolen watch report with Rolex USA by calling 212-980-2166 or emailing missingwatchreport@rusa.com and they will send you a form to fill out. You'll have to provide your police report information, etc. But, it's really only effective if, by chance, your watch makes it into a Rolex USA Service Center. My watch (stolen in 2013) has never made it into a service center.

Best of luck to you and really sorry to read about this.

I spoke to R-USA in 2015 when I first found out about their stolen watch registry and again in 2018 to confirm my watch was still registered. At that time, the number and email above were the only ways to report a stolen watch to Rolex.

Relative to what else PD can do, there's not a whole lot. I had some friends' house that was burgled in December 2022 and the police knocked on neighboring doors and were able to piece together the burglar's route and path from reviewing Ring and other camera footage they had. But, ultimatelyl, it was a dead end as the perpetrator was a vagrant who disappeared as quickly as he appeared.

[wesdaniel]

Originally Posted by kunlun

I'd like to point out here that if you do not have a TL-15 or TL-30 safe which is also bolted to the floor, then you do not a safe, you have a convenient carrying case for robbers to take your most precious things.

Quick question on this as you seem to have some knowledge of it. Is there a reason that bolted to the floor is better than bolted to wall studs?

We have our safes in a locked, alarmed, and camera'd room, but, bolted to wall studs rather than the floor. None are TL-rated, but, I'm hopeful that, between the alarm, the cameras, and the bolts, it might delay them long enough to at least have a fighting chance.

[jedione65]

Originally Posted by wesdaniel

Quick question on this as you seem to have some knowledge of it. Is there a reason that bolted to the floor is better than bolted to wall studs?

We have our safes in a locked, alarmed, and camera'd room, but, bolted to wall studs rather than the floor. None are TL-rated, but, I'm hopeful that, between the alarm, the cameras, and the bolts, it might delay them long enough to at least have a fighting chance.

You know I just got a PM from someone who mentioned a robbery recently where the safe was bolted to the studs and still ripped apart and taken. I suppose the best way would be to hide it in the floor or in a wall. We are getting a surveillance system installed.

What is TL rated and any other recommendations for safes in the future, aside from going with the safe deposit route for valuables.

[Ninja Master]

Nothing to add except I feel very bad for you, and I wish unhappiness and misery on the thieves.

[Galevin]

So sorry to hear of your loss and really hope they get the b@st@rds.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by wesdaniel

Quick question on this as you seem to have some knowledge of it. Is there a reason that bolted to the floor is better than bolted to wall studs?

We have our safes in a locked, alarmed, and camera'd room, but, bolted to wall studs rather than the floor. None are TL-rated, but, I'm hopeful that, between the alarm, the cameras, and the bolts, it might delay them long enough to at least have a fighting chance.

Floor joists are beefier than studs and flooring over joists is beefier than Sheetrock over studs, or better yet a concrete floor. Also, leverage may come into play with trying to pry a safe up rather than forward.

It’s all about multiple layers of security. Given enough time any security can be defeated but if you can slow them down with safe storage while making sure they are being harassed by an alarm that includes the threat of cops arriving then you can improve your odds.

[rockysw]

I am very sorry to hear about this. I really hope you find the watches!

[Xelor5513]

Sorry for your loss, OP.

Camera's do very little; get a motion activated and monitored alarm service, or even better....a couple of threatening dogs!

Best wishes...

[77T]

If you call (212) 758-7700, then explain you need to report many stolen Rolexes, you will be transferred to the right resource.

Then you will be asked to Fax the Police Report plus the list of models and serial numbers.

Indeed, the Fax number is (212) 980-2166.

You will also be given the current email to use @rusa.com for communicating with them.

I am so sorry to hear about your burglary. I know a lot of well-meaning advice has already been offered about safes, security, etc.

I've been in the same mode you are now - but it was in 2017. The answer for you will be what works best for you. Keep positive - I've recovered 2 of the 4 Rolexes burgled from my home.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[fayraree]

Sorry to hear this, hope you were able to recover some if not all, through insurance.

[BillA]

We use ADT for our alarm system. They install and monitor.

[Rogerusp]

Originally Posted by 1st amg

As the OP said, the thieves spent a couple of hours in their home, no matter if a safe is bolted to the floor, these guys will have it removed. Its a sad day and age and this stuff seems to be happening a lot more.

This. A safe is good to have but with enough time thieves can get into some pretty heavy safes. It should be a combination of alarm system, cameras, safes etc.

[lamadoo]

I've researched this topic, even listened to actual professional thieves.

Have a dummy safe installed where it can be seen but not made too obvious...like under your work desk. Heavy but not too heavy so that it can be carried. Most thieves will think they got their prize once they ripped it and jet off but your real valuables are stored in your floor mount out of sight. This is adding layers and diversion to your security.

Also CCTV cameras don't do much but inform the thieves that you have expensive valuables in your house. All good robbers know this and will wear a mask/covid mask and start targeting your valuables. Houses with CCTV is like a sign for professionals "HEY YOU RICH..ROLEXROLEXROLEX". Your cameras needs to be good enough to set off a loud alarm to scare them and notify your phone so that you can intervene and you must be fast. Also professional thieves won't steal at night...no no. They will enter your house when your working a 9am-5pm job.

[INC]

Patrol duty. All the rest are gadgets that can help reduce the damage that occurs before the patrol arrives.