Columnist shares sad story, gives tips on home protection

It is an unfortunate that with the downturn of the economy, we can expect to see more crime in our communities and businesses. I have always considered myself to be proactive in my business and my personal affairs. I thought that I was properly protected, until last Friday, just before noontime. That's when my house was burglarized and more than $20,000 in jewelry and electronics were stolen by thieves, who walked out my front door carrying part of my life away.

I count my blessings, as my husband had stopped at the grocery store before coming home for lunch. That 10-minute delay probably saved his life or avoided serious injury.

Most of the stolen items are just things and can be replaced, but there are some -- like the delicate rose gold watch my mother gave me when I was 7, a few weeks before she died -- that cannot. It's a personal item, that bears the inscription: "To Barbara from Mom 08/56."

This is a crime that feels personal. It is one thing to see that your TVs, computers or other electronic devices have been removed from your home; it is quite another to walk into your bedroom and see your dresser and closet doors opened and upturned with your belongings spilling onto the floor.

I cannot begin to tell you how I felt, and how I still feel. I have lived in this home in a quiet, peaceful and safe community for many years. Today, I don't feel safe. I didn't sleep well this week. I keep thinking, will they come again? I know statistically they will not, but emotions can overwhelm logic.

I try and keep my sense of humor about the whole ordeal. I tell my friends that if they see anyone trying to sell my childhood watch -- it has tiny rubies circling the face, which is marked with Roman numerals -- don't ask questions, just call me immediately, well.... perhaps after you've wrestled them to the floor (just kidding)!

So, let's talk about what you can do to help protect your home and belongings.

Choose a security system

The robbers jumped over my backyard fence and gained entry by breaking my kitchen window. My alarm in my house did go off after they opened the front door. I now recommend that you install a security system that monitors the breakage of glass and not just the opening of windows and doors. It will cost more but it's worth it.

If you have security, you need to use it all the time. That quick trip around the block is plenty of time for thieves to rob you. It just makes it faster and easier if the alarm is off.

One final note on security systems: You should include the service that sends a signal to the security company if your phone wires are cut. There is an extra installation expense for this feature. Again, worth the cost.

There are inexpensive devices that you can plug into a socket by a light fixture that will cause the lights to turn on at set times. Also, there are inexpensive devices that turn on your TV or radio that could startle unwanted visitors. Of course, large barking dogs can serve the same purpose, unless you have a collie that loves visitors -- like the one I had many years ago -- then your burglars may be licked to death.

You can consider installing a camera system. If you install it on the outside of your home, you will need to submit an architectural request to your homeowners association. Prices have decreased significantly over the last few years. Lots of information can be found online and you can design systems to match your needs.

Review insurance

Check your homeowners insurance policies, most have a minimum coverage of $5,000 for jewelry. If you want more coverage, you will have to assess the items for value and specifically listed them on the policy.

I often stress importance of homeowners in condominium and town house associations to obtain additional insurance, above the insurance coverage from the association's master policy. It is known as an HO6 policy which compliments and supplements the master policy.

Buy a safe

The best ones have two locks, a key lock and a punch-code lock. They cost just under $300 at Home Depot. They can be bolted down. They are fire and water proof.

Videotape belongings

A number of years ago, I videotaped and took photographs of my house and my belongings -- the furniture, china, paintings and knickknacks. I was lucky that I had some photographs of jewelry and other stolen items I was able to provide to the Metropolitan Police Department.

On Saturday, the day after the burglary. I took my video camera and went through my entire house. I described everything -- if my carpet or furniture was a year old, and from what store I purchased it.

I took video of our wardrobe, something I did not do the first time. If there should be a fire in my home, I do not want to fight with the insurance company over the amount and cost of clothing I lost.

Keep records in safe place

I do not keep financial and personal records in my home. All the receipts for jewelry, electronics, furniture and other high-end items are kept at another location. I was able to photocopy the receipts of the missing items and give copies to the police and insurance company.

None of my personal records are in my home, including paid bills with charge account numbers and tax returns with social security numbers. Identity thefts are the latest rage. Lock boxes at banks are not always the most convenient place to store these items, but they do afford a degree of safety. Storage facilities located near your home is another alternative that allows you to easily retrieve information when you need it.

Keep an eye out

As you know, about 50 percent of the homes listed on the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtor's Multiple Listing Service are vacant. I believe this can increase the risk of robberies in a neighborhood.

In some cases, neighborhoods are being targeted with multiple break-ins. If this is the case, homeowners should contact their associations and request fliers or newsletters be distributed among residents warming the community of recent burglaries.

In my case, I and my neighbors know each other well. We all have different work schedules, with people returning home at different times of the day. I am sure we all will be more vigilant in the future.

You do not need a formal Neighborhood Watch, although that is certainly a viable program if you are able to procure enough support from your association members. It is more often that you can work with your immediate neighbors to watch out for each other.

I hope that in sharing my story, you can improve your security system to better protect your home. I know I have.

NOTE: In the Feb. 7 column I addressed the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. I believe the new federal law, which went into effect Dec. 18, 2008, will affect many community pools throughout the valley.

I wanted my readers to know that I attended the Feb 26 Southern Nevada Health District meeting. For those of you who left early because you could not find a seat, I wanted you to know there was much accomplished. I will update you in my column next Saturday.

Barbara Holland, certified property manager, broker and supervisory certified association manager, is president and owner of H&L Realty and Management Co. Questions may be sent to Association Q.&A., P.O. Box 7440, Las Vegas, NV 89125. Her fax number is 385-3759, or she can be reached by e-mail at support@hlrealty.com.