Ask Slashdot: Starting From Scratch After a Burglary? 770
New submitter sc30317 writes "My house got robbed on Friday, and all of our electronics got stolen. Everything. Now, I have to go out and buy all new electronics with the insurance money. We had five TVs (don't ask), three laptops, a Bose Sound dock with iPod, a digital camera, and a desktop stolen. It's looking like I am going to get around $10K from the insurance company to replace everything. What would you do if you had to replace ALL of your technology in your house at once? I'm thinking:
replace TVs; nice Desktop; new speakers; and new, cool stuff I don't know about (suggestions welcome). I already added a DVR security system, so hopefully the new things won't get burgled! Looking for suggestions to utilize my money in order to get the best stuff. Also, no Windows computers allowed in my house."
Perhaps a less childish attitude. (Score:0, Informative)
Also, no Windows computers allowed in my house.
I know this attitude is rather popular on slashdot, but grow up.
Every operating system has it's uses, Windows included.
Re:Shotgun and big scary dog. (Score:4, Informative)
You are aware that guns are a prime target of thieves?
The dog may be a good idea, but guns are not nearly as good for home defense as people make them out to be. Especially since robbers do not rob you when you are home. They wait till you leave, then rob you.
You want to get an attacker (and everyone else) out of your house fast? Then use pepper spray.
Re:Dictionary (Score:5, Informative)
"Burgled" is correct in British / International English. Only Americans use the hideous "burglarized".
Re:buy a security system + cameras (Score:4, Informative)
Actually, computers are a lot more valuable to criminals than to people on Craig's list. I'm guessing that if they stole the computer, they were probably hoping to get ID information and log ins off the HDD and didn't have time to disassemble the computer to just get at that.
Still, I'm a bit surprised that they would risk that given that they already took laptops.
Re:Dictionary (Score:4, Informative)
In continental Europe it seems to be moving towards some kind of hybrid, with Americanisms more common than they used to be. I assume this is because all the kids who learn English as a 2nd language are influenced by the internet and U.S.-produced television/movies/games.
Re:Shotgun and big scary dog. (Score:5, Informative)
If they're robbing you, you're there. If you're not there, they're burgling you.
Re:Dictionary (Score:5, Informative)
Re:First purchase (Score:2, Informative)
Re:First purchase (Score:5, Informative)
Your reasoning is flawed. In the US you are far more likely to get shot during a robbery, precisely because people keep guns in their homes so burglars bring their own too. Armed robbery is pretty rare in countries where you can't easily acquire guns.
The problem perpetuates itself. Robbery-murders increase so more people buy guns, so more criminals start to carry them for protection too. It becomes impossible to get rid of all the guns. The US is now screwed because everyone is locked in to an arms race.
Re:First purchase (Score:2, Informative)
Nope.
But shouldn't make a difference, I grew up in a house where the gun was fully loaded, chambered and ready to go. I knew where it was..I was taught how to use and shoot it.
I was also taught that I should NEVER even think about it much less come close to touching it, unless my life was in danger. And that message stuck from my parents.
Are kids more stupid today and don't learn and listen? Why can they be trusted like I and friends I grew up with in my childhood ;'back in the day'?