About 4 weeks ago I caught someone in my garage attempting to make off with a $1400 pressure washer. After a few choice words from me, he pulled a gun.
I managed to get back to my house and return with my own gun. By this time he was through the hole in the wooden fence he had made but I fired a few rounds his way for effect.
I purposely did not hit him.
Upon investigation it was clear that he had at least one accomplice. He had been carting things out and tossing them through the hole in the fence for his companion(s).
All of my power equipment (backpack blower, lawn mower, chain saw, handheld gas blower, electric blower, weeder, trimmer, cordless drills, etc), rolling floor jack, and ALL of my mechanics tools were gone (All sockets, 10 or 12 ratchets, extensions, adapters, swivels, specialty tools, combination wrenches, various pliers, screw drivers, etc). The bulk of the tools I had owned since I was 18 when they were given to me by my parents for my birthday.
I'm sure there are other things missing that I'll never remember or that I won't notice until I go to use them.
Anyway, I estimate the replacement cost to be around $4000. The mower and blower total over $1200 themselves. My insurance deductible is $5000 so there isn't any point making a claim. Even if it were lower, it makes no sense to file small claims or you'll end up with higher rates, non -renewal of policy, etc. Insurance is for catastrophic losses.
I should point out that this occurred at 11:30 on a Sunday morning. I was home and I had already unlocked the garage door in preparation for working on one of the never-ending projects.
No vehicles were damaged or stolen.
Of course I immediately installed cameras, entry sensors, motion sensors , and 110 db alarms and two locks on each garage door. Horse is gone and the barn door is closed.
I've lived here for 10 years without any trouble even though crazy stuff happens all over the place near me. I was complacent.
I now lock all doors behind me and pack heat walking around my own property.
Govern yourselves accordingly.
Last edited by Peggy M; 05/30/2024 5:13 PM. Reason: added more info to the title
