House broken into...what to say or do

[tiggerlover]

My sister's house was broken into and all of her jewelry, including my mother's and greandmothers jewelry was stolen, in addition to money and cameras. She has lived in her house for 30 years in a pretty isolated area so this came as a complete shock. She is so sad and I am not really sure what to say or do. Of course we talked about it and I told her how sorry I was and all, but never having experienced this myself I am not sure if I should be "doing" something besides being there for her.

 

[koolaidmoms]

This happened to my parents last year. I was able to go and be with them (2.5 hours away) for 2 days. They were really shell shocked and scared of someone returning. They took everything the first time going from the attic to the basement. I think it just made them feel better my being there and sleeping downstairs.

They had to file police reports and get copies of them for insurance purposes. I was able to drive them around to the police station, pharmacy and insurance offices.

They stole prescription pills so we had to get police reports to get new prescriptions filled without paying for them in whole.

It was hard for them to think straight for a few days so I made dinners and made sure they were still eating.

That is the best thing to do just be there and help when you can. It is an awful violation to have someone touch everything you own.

Hope they can recover some of the items.

 

[tiggerlover]

I wish I could be there, but they live 8 hours away from me. They had all the police stuff done, finger printing etc. The police suggested they check pawn shops, craigslist and eBay. They just had a security system installed yesterday so that is some relief.

 

[rapriebe]

I went through a break-in several years ago and it took along time to get over it. It is such a violation of your privacy that you feel uncomfortable and unsafe in your own home. Getting a security system was a great piece of mind for us for while. We finally moved out of the house though because my husband was gone alot and we were out in the middle of no-where on 5 acres so it was really secluded. We moved into the city but I still took my security system with me, it was wireless, because you never quite get over a break-in.

 

[tvguy]

They just had a security system installed yesterday so that is some relief.

That's the key, even though an alarm system isn't a 100% guarantee. I've had one on my house for 27 years. My mom has had one for 35 years, and has had 2 break in attempts that ended the second the alarm siren went off.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

Being there, even if it is over the phone is good, also make sure she knows you don't "blame" her for loosing mom's and grandma's jewelry, she may be feeling a bit guilty. I don't know how to do that without bringing it up, but if you get any feeling that she is worried you are mad make sure she knows you are not.

 

[C.Ann]

I went through a break-in several years ago and it took along time to get over it. It is such a violation of your privacy that you feel uncomfortable and unsafe in your own home..

I've had it happen twice - once in my former home and once here at the lake.. I can't even put into words the feelings, but I think "violated" comes the closest.. The break-in at the lake was the worst - because there was evidence that they had actually stayed here for a few days to possibly as long as a week.. Ewwwwww!! I scrubbed everything from floor to ceiling knowing they had touched and used our things..

Unfortunately, the only thing that is really going to help is "time".. Eventually you feel safe again - but it doesn't come quick and it doesn't come easy - as you know from your own experience..

So sorry to hear about this,OP..