Attempted Home Break In!

[mickeysaver]

First, let me say that we are safe. We are also very lucky because the home we bought last year had an alarm system installed already. I will count my blessings for the fact that we have ADT and it stopped us from losing anything other than our sanity and a door.

My problem is that my partner is in FL on business and won't be home until next Tuesday night. I am home alone and left to deal with this on my own. I have no idea who I should call at this point. I have tried a locksmith, but he says that I need to have the door frame fixed first. I have no idea who does this sort of work, so I called Home Depot and got no help there, unless I want to buy a whole new door, which is not what I really need at this point.

Pulling hair out and counting a blessing along with each strand. Maggie

 

[RUDisney]

I'd send my DH over to help you after work today if you lived closer. I can't help you with GA contractors.

First, if you're in a residential area or development, I'd ask around with the neighbors. Someone may know someone who can help you.

Thankfully, you're safe and unharmed, and unrobbed.

Are there handymen listed in the classified of the newspaper? Maybe you can get someone that way.

 

[mommy*RN]

Hi,
I am glad you are okay! I can only imagine how scarey this is for you! I don't live in your area so I can't give you a handy man name...I can, hopefully, give you a little piece of mind. I worked for 6 years as a police dispatcher. Whenever we had a break-in or even an attempted break-in the cops were really good about giving that area extra patrol every shift. I am sure you will have extra police cruisers in your neighborhood for awhile now...I think they always hope the "bad guys" strike the same neighborhood again.

I hope you find a handyman to fix your door...and I hope you can get some sleep tonight. Maybe you can have a friend or family member stay over with you until your partner gets back???

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Wow...I am glad you are safe. I hope you are able to get some help.

 

[Topper]

http://www.servicemagic.com/c.Handyman-Services.Lawrenceville.GA.-12039.html

 

[Lanshark]

Go over to Home Depot or Loews and tell them you need a name of their contractors. You many be able to get someone to help you after work. I'd also call you insurance company and ask them for contractors they recommend to fix things like storm damage. I lived in Lawrenceville for 11 years but our handyman retired.

Otherwise I'd suggest securing the door by what ever means necessary until you can get someone out there. Is there a neighbor that could help you?

 

[N&B'smom]

Just wanted to say I'm glad you weren't hurt!!!

Shelby

 

[debster812]

Call the building inspector in your town/city. Generally they will have a 'list' so to speak of contractors that they like. Explain to them what happened, and I bet they can point you in the right direction.

I know exactly how you feel. DH and I were robbed about 4 months after moving into our house. We had NO security, and we did lose some 'stuff' but no one was hurt, and everything was replaceable. We were also lucky in that my dad is a carpenter, and he was at the house before I made it home from work, rebuilding the door frame.

If you still strike out, let me know. My company has some locations is Gwinett/Lawrenceville, and I can ask around for some reccommendations if you need them.

Good Luck, and PM me if you want.

Debbie

 

[mrsv98]

I might also ask the police who you could use. I assume you made a report, possibly call the officer, thank him for his help and ask if he knows of anyone.

We have ADT also, and while the only ones to set off the alarm so far has been us ( ) it is nice to know it works.

 

[AprilShowers]

Call your local area Chamber of Commerce. If they are any good, they'll give you some suggestions.

Thankfully you weren't hurt.
Good luck with your repairs. Hopefully this will all be over soon.

 

[lindakmonty]

how scary!! glad to hear you're ok...there are several places you can look for a good contractor...as already stated. Good luck. What did they do? Kick your door in and the alarm went off so they booked? Yikes!!!!

 

[Robinrs]

A co-worker had the same thing happen to him just a few months ago. He had a contractor fix it for him. He's getting the name of the guy as we speak.

I know how scary this is. I've had it happen to me twice in my life and I live alone. Stay safe.

 

[Iott Family]

How awful and frightening for you. Our neighbor two houses down and over just had this thing happen. Alarm went off, thankfully scaring the perp off!
I would call your home insurance carrier and ask them who they recommend. We have State Farm coverage here and they always keep a rolodex of A-listers just for this reason!

My DH used to do a lot of out of town projects and he would be gone for 2 weeks at a time. Funny but true I woke up one morning to a mouse on the pillow next to my head. I screamed like a sissy girl....wait,I am a sissy girl....and called him on his cell and insisted he come home immediately. When asked why he laughed and said call orkin. I just wasnt feeling the sympathy, but I called orkin and slept on the top bunk with my daughter the rest of the week. So I can imagine you will be leaving plenty of lights on and from this sissy girl I think thats a great idea! Just get the door fixed immediately....I wonder why the lock smith didnt recommend someone? Usually they have buddies they hand off work like this to.

 

[icebrat001]

Oh no! I am happy to hear that you are okay. Although your partner isn't them, I hope you are able to speak to him so he can speak some kind supportive words to make you feel a little better.

 

[mickeysaver]

http://www.servicemagic.com/c.Handyman-Services.Lawrenceville.GA.-12039.html

You know, I remembered that Service Magic existed right after I posted. I found them originally through MyPoints, so I tried them. I have a guy on the case as we speak! He is at Home Depot buying a few supplies.

The referral came quickly and is from a reputable contractor that I had heard of, but had forgotten that they even existed. Hero Handyman is fixing my door!

Thanks for the info. Maggie

 

[mickeysaver]

how scary!! glad to hear you're ok. (snippage) What did they do? Kick your door in and the alarm went off so they booked? Yikes!!!!

Yes, it was scary! I was at work with a patient, and it was just after 1pm and my cellphone should have been on silent, but it was just after lunch and I had forgotten to put it on silent....so of course, I am with a patient when it goes off.....totally embarrassing and unprofessional. I noticed that it was an 800# calling, so I figured that it was a wrong number anyway. Well, my phone goes off again indicating that they left a message....ok, odd. Then, when I am done with the patient, Billy calls.....he is our closest friend and is our emergency contact for ADT when we can not be reached. He got a call from ADT that someone had tried to break in. He told them to call the police. I was freaking! I checked my messages and it was ADT that had called me. I checked my work messages and ADT had tried to reach me at work too. I called them, they told me that the police were on the way and that they would call if I was needed at home. (biting nails) Billy called me back again. ADT called him to let him know that I was needed at home because there was evidence of a break in attempt.

Ok, we won't discuss how many laws I broke on my way home...... Let's just say that I really made good time.

I get here....no cops. So, I called 911. They came back out. The carport door is the door with the most likely chance of having someone see you there. Let's just say that there are some exterior landscaping needs that still haven't been accomplished that would increase our safety. But, the would be invader chose the most openly viewed door to attempt to break into. The door has several glass panes, but none were busted out. There is a knob with a lock and a deadbolt that requires keys to open and close on both sides of the door. The locks held up well! The door frame has seen better days, but it's going to be repaired. I took pictures of the damage with a throw away camera, since Gabby took the new digital camera with her to FL. I am just so thankful that they took off when the alarm went off. They never made it inside, so we still have all of our stuff.

There is an ADT sign in our yard, there is an ADT sticker on the door.....heck, there are stickers on all the doors and windows. Why they chose my house?!?!? Let's just say that I think my burglar must have ridden the short bus.

My neighbor said that he saw two teenagers that looked out of place in our neighborhood that were hanging out around his mailbox close to the time of the attempted break in. I am thinking that since no one else saw anything odd that they are the responsible ones. There is a big boot print on my door.....the villain has big feet.

Now, if I can get this fixed for under $300, I will be happy! Maggie

 

[mickeysaver]

Oh no! I am happy to hear that you are okay. Although your partner isn't them, I hope you are able to speak to him so he can speak some kind supportive words to make you feel a little better.

Um.....doesn't the rainbow Mickey give me away? We are family.....it's more than just a song Icebrat! lol Maggie

 

[mickeysaver]

Door fixed for under $200 and I am safe and secure again. Thanks for all the folks that tried to help and sent well wishes. Maggie

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

Maggie:
So sorry you're having to deal with this while your partner is away, but I wanted you to know you're an inspiration to me...I get annoyed at having to turn the alarm on when I leave (sometimes the magnets don't connect and it accidentally goes off, freaking out the cat, the dog, DD and me). After reading your post, I'll be setting ours for sure now. DH always sets it. It's just the few times when I leave.

I guess since we're paying for it, we should use it!

Thanks, and hope all is well.

 

[debster812]

Door fixed for under $200 and I am safe and secure again. Thanks for all the folks that tried to help and sent well wishes. Maggie

VERY good news!!!!

Isn't the internet an AWESOME place? You can get help instantly from people you've never met.

Our perp kicked our door in too. Amazing how big those boot prints look when they're flat on your door?

Hang in there.