Rash of robberies/break-ins in my neighborhood (Pasadena: houses, live)

[Daisy32673]

we are new to LA, moving from an extremely "vanilla" city. But the robberies or attempted robberies in our neighborhood (Bungalow Heaven in Pasadena) is getting a little ridiculous. In the past day we have had 5 reports of people scoping out houses, a succesful robbery and several reported attempts (people finding their gates left open, doors being jiggled). There are folks going around trying to "sell" newspaper subscriptions and other services but when confronted they are vague, give little info or just get nervous and take off if confronted.

The police helicopters are swarming every evening and police cars are abundant - which is good I suppose. Is this a normal thing for this city? With so many houses being affected already, it seems like a matter of time before ours gets hit.

[Captain Obvious]

Originally Posted by Daisy32673

we are new to LA, moving from an extremely "vanilla" city. But the robberies or attempted robberies in our neighborhood (Bungalow Heaven in Pasadena) is getting a little ridiculous. In the past day we have had 5 reports of people scoping out houses, a succesful robbery and several reported attempts (people finding their gates left open, doors being jiggled). There are folks going around trying to "sell" newspaper subscriptions and other services but when confronted they are vague, give little info or just get nervous and take off if confronted.

The police helicopters are swarming every evening and police cars are abundant - which is good I suppose. Is this a normal thing for this city? With so many houses being affected already, it seems like a matter of time before ours gets hit.

I am sorry to hear about all that. I lived in Pasadena for a few years and really liked it. Although I was walking the dog one night and saw a helicopter spot light about a block or two away from where I was walking. I was just waiting for some dude to come running my way ala Cops.

I wish I could offer some advice other than getting a counterfeit ADT sign.

[Narfcake]

Originally Posted by Captain Obvious

I wish I could offer some advice other than getting a counterfeit ADT sign.

An ADT sign? That's more like a welcome sign rather than a deterrent because they know that they won't be responsive.

[Captain Obvious]

Originally Posted by Narfcake

An ADT sign? That's more like a welcome sign rather than a deterrent because they know that they won't be responsive.

I guess that is why ADT calls the local cops.

There aren't ADT security guards that drive around answering calls.

But hey I guess an empty house with no sign is a great deterrent.

[Daisy32673]

Really? Alarm signs dont deter break-ins around here? Seems like that or a "beware of dog" sign would be helpful on some level. Its pretty troubling considering there are a few moms here who stay home with their little ones. And we thought this area was "safe". I guess nowhere around here is really safe

[Narfcake]

Originally Posted by Captain Obvious

I guess that is why ADT calls the local cops.

That's just it - they don't, and the burglars know that.

My co-worker's old neighbor had first-hand experience of that. They had an ADT alarm. They had a day-time break-in. The alarms did go off. ADT never responded. Stolen were 3 flatscreens, 2 computers, cash, and jewelry. What was the point of having ADT?

Run a google search ... there are many other stories on the same subject.

Another alarm company's sign would be a good deterrent. No sign, possibly a deterrent because some will read that as "I don't have anything valuable enough to care about, so don't waste your time." Having an ADT sign - not a deterrent.

[CALGUY]

A "beware of dog" sign would be utterly useless if is not accompanied by a dog barking.
A video camera setup with some sort of indication that one were being videotaped may help.
Bob.

[Captain Obvious]

Originally Posted by Narfcake

That's just it - they don't, and the burglars know that.

My co-worker's old neighbor had first-hand experience of that. They had an ADT alarm. They had a day-time break-in. The alarms did go off. ADT never responded. Stolen were 3 flatscreens, 2 computers, cash, and jewelry. What was the point of having ADT?

Run a google search ... there are many other stories on the same subject.

Another alarm company's sign would be a good deterrent. No sign, possibly a deterrent because some will read that as "I don't have anything valuable enough to care about, so don't waste your time." Having an ADT sign - not a deterrent.

Well I stand corrected.

I had no idea that ADT was so bad. It seems like a pretty simple system, but if they don't even call the cops then it is obviously useless.

The no sign as a deterrent has a certain appeal. You could even take it a step further and make your house look really crappy on the outside (bathtub in the yard etc.).

[bigdumbgod]

Too bad. We had ADT back in the day, and they were way more responsive than the cops. We knew them on a first-name basis, but that was a ritzy neighborhood, and they were well-paid there.

Short of barbed wire, a moat with crocodiles, a big Semper Fi flag*, and Clint Eastwood on the porch, the real/fake security camera idea is one that works, but you at least have to have its red light on.


*Edit: This and/or a POW flag can work wonders. Only the truly crazy would intrude into the space of a flag-waving veteran.

[nighthouse66]

helicopters ARE very prevalent in los angeles. certain areas get it more than others. echo park seems to be popular with the ghetto birds as is venice. in summer i used to sit on my balcony in venice and get spotlighted regularly. i can't make up my mind if this makes me feel safer or not. : /
i am sorry to hear about your burglaries. do you have a camera or something you could mount up? those security cameras are pretty cheap. you could also actually GET a dog. even if they don't protect you bodily they are great alarms. is there a neighborhood watch in your area? i would start one. meet with your neighbors. come up with a flier or something to hand out round the neighborhood and maybe get the local council involved. burglars prosper when people do nothing! cops are only good after the fact.