Signs stolen - house vandalized

[hollyL]

Sometime last night or early today some stole my signs and vandalized my property. This took a good bit of effort as they actually bent the bolts holding the signs on. They riped the others right out of the ground. They also busted my mailbox and destroyed parts of my flower bed (very mature huh?). They've done an estimated $250 worth of damage. I'm waiting for the police now to file a report.

I seriously considered getting surveilance equiptment before but now I definately am going to before I go buy some signs to replace them. It's very sad that someone would stoop this incredibly low.

[Wuptdo]

HollyL -

Having been broken into seven times in the last 15 months, please let me pass on some advice.

1) Take pictures of everything; video is even better. Since it is night, have someone walk behind you with a powerful flashlight

2) double-check all the windows in the house (police should assist with this)

3) fine your home owner's insurance policy and check your agent's name a phone number. Also check your deductable amount.

4) Work with the police and take your own notes as well. Make sure you find out what Detective is assigned you case.

I hope this is nothing more than some bored teenagers. However, given that you have been in the "limelight" on a sore subject for some, it may be more personnel. (This thought really bothers me!) Anyway, if you want it to be, it can become a local "news" event. Almost all the stations and the N&O have night desk. That is your call.

I can relate to that sick feeling and coming home to damage and theft. If you need any help with clean-up and such, I have a pick-up truck, just about every tool you can thing of, and somewhat heathy back. Will be glad to help. Just E-mail me.

Wuptdo (really PO'd) :evil:

[Brent]

Disgusting.

Holly, I am very sorry to hear this, as I'm sure we all are.

[johnb]

Have I ever recommended tazers to you? Very handy for vandals, kids, and dogs.

[kellyc]

http://www.taser.com/pages/video/video.html

Not a link for dialup users....


Kelly

[hollyL]

OK...so the police thought this was probably a "teenage prank". I'm however a bit perplexed by the evidence. I've compiled it for your opinions at the link below. Understand that I'm using humor a bit but I do think this is a very serious thing.

http://thesethingsiknow.com/toc/vandels.htm

Believe me when I tell you that getting the yellow sign off took serious tools, a lot of strength or both.

I have also sent a press release to the Cary News which says in part:
***BEGIN***
This type of attack is the kind that would be used to strong-arm and terrorize an individual into stopping their efforts to change laws and public policy. I say this to the attacker(s):

Your illicit attempts to stop my involvement in the process of changing the Town of Cary sign laws only furthers my steadfastness to push forward in the fight for free speech in this community. I will not be deterred by your lawless behavior and attempted acts of intimidation. I will continue my efforts to invoke change and will continue to support the candidate and/or candidates of my choice by displaying yard signs. I am offering a reward of $1,000.00 to any information leading to your arrest and subsequent prosecution for the theft of my signs and vandalism of my property.
***END***

I am 100% serious about the $1,000. CP posters are exempt from the reward for turing themselves in though :-D

[JeffC]

3) fine your home owner's insurance policy and check your agent's name a phone number. Also check your deductable amount.
Before you make a claim with your home owners insurance, be aware that your insurance company may drop you after they pay the claim. With increasing frequency, homeowners insurance companies are dropping homeowners after a claim is filed. You would also be entered into the insurance industries CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) database, which may make it difficult to insure your property.

As for surveillance equipment, check out (http://www.supercircuits.com/store/home.asp). I have used this company before (for corporate installations) and they are fairly reasonable.

Jeff

[hollyL]

[quote]3) fine your home owner's insurance policy and check your agent's name a phone number. Also check your deductable amount.

Thanks for the advise. My deductable is pretty big - for sure over the amount I lost.

I'm taking a look at the cameras...thanks for the link :wink:

[johnb]

Aside from your appalling bad taste in sign content, I'm with you Holly.

It may have been teenagers. If it occured on a Friday or Saturday night it may have been a drunk adult.

[hollyL]

According to the police report:

Solvability Probability: 4.25%
Case status: inactive