Apartment broken into, handguns stolen

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ChronoCube

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Today I came home and left the door open. I had two handguns sitting on a table, along with other stuff. I didn't think it was a big deal since I was going to head out soon. Two men came by and saw the door open, and they asked me if everything was all right since my place is messy. I said it was fine, and they left. Then I headed out for the evening.

When I came back, I saw my door ajar. Someone had rammed the door so hard that the lock bolt had knocked off the doorframe. I inspected the apartment and it seemed like they did not mess with anything I had, but my two handguns were missing. I think it was a snatch-and-run burglary, where they took the first thing they could find.

It is possible that the men who came by earlier and saw the handguns were responsible so I should not have kept them out like that. On the other hand, if it were a random break-in, then those handguns acted as bait and "saved" the rest of my possessions from being stolen. So what is the lesson learned? Should I not leave them in plain view like that in the future?

Also, what does this mean going forward, now that someone knows I am a gun owner, and could potentially acquire more guns down the road? Would they be back in the future? Should I be concerned about my safety?
 
It's probably a good idea to:

1. Call the police.
2. Make sure any other guns are locked up.
3. Save one gun for yourself and keep it close when at home, if they come back you'll need it.
 
It's probably a good idea to:

1. Call the police.
2. Make sure any other guns are locked up.
3. Save one gun for yourself and keep it close when at home, if they come back you'll need it.
Click to expand...

Ditto
 
Never,ever, leave guns in plain sight.
buy even the cheapest $119.00 steel gun cabinet from Kmart,install it in a closet,bolt it to the floor,then beef it up by installing a good lock and hasp at the top corner of the door.This is where a thief will insert a large screw driver or prybar.For about $140.00,you can prevent this from happening again.
 
It's one thing to leave guns out while you are in the privacy of your own home. It's quite another to leave them in plain view of passers-by. I agree with all the other responses; report the incident to LE, get a secure storage location, and, in the future, don't leave your door open if strangers can easily peer into your house and see your handguns laying around.
 
Another case of "cheaper to buy a gun safe", in hindsight only of course :rolleyes:.

In the appartments I have lived in, the apparment was always a revolving door of pest control, changing the AC filter, inspecting the xyz, annual inspection, ect ect ect.

Perhaps one or more of them know about your guns too?
 
Putting it bluntly, your sloppiness invited theft. It was either those guys or someone they talked to that stole your guns. I'd move and I'd increase my awareness and common sense. You were lax in your security and now BGs have your guns. Report the theft immediately to the police. Unbelieveable!
 
My biggest concern is, is the risk of them coming back great enough that I should move?
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That largely depends on what area of DFW you live in.
Apartments are always risky because everyone and their dog has a key to your door.
Could you give a general description of the men you spoke to?
 
So you got home, opened the door, went in, and didn't close your front door?

Then some strangers entered your apartment uninvited because they telepathically knew that the INSIDE of your apartment was messy? Did these strangers want to help you clean your apartment?

This makes no sense to me whatsoever. :confused:
 
The creeps asking if you needed help probably stole the guns to buy drugs. Check out the pawn shops.

Do you have renter's insurance to replace the guns if they are not recovered? Buy a safe, and keep your doors and window blinds closed so that punks can not see in to the apartment.

Since you were burglarized once the creeps usually will wait a time they think it takes you to replace the stolen items and strike again. :fire:
 
You should have contacted the police immediately to file a report. If they use the stolen firearms in a crime, and you have no proof they these firearms were no longer in your possession, guess who gets investigated for the crime. If you have not yet called the police, call now.

Point 2, which should perhaps have been point 1, who leaves a handgun out in full view for God and the world to see?! Get a vault; lock the items up. Close your blinds. Get a dog if allowed in your complex.

Geno
 
Maybe you would like them back?

Just a question.

Do you remember what these helpful, apartment cleaning gentlemen looked like? I believe they did what they offered to do: cleaned your apartment.

Fortunately, criminals are often not too bright. Since they were walking by your apartment, they probably had a reason to be nearby. After all, I sure don't just pick random apartment complexes to walk around for no reason. I'm sure they didn't either.

You'll probably see them again. I'd remember exactly what they look like and be ready to call the cops the next time they walk by.

I doubt you'll see those particular firearms again. Oh, and you might want to consider a safe.
 
On the other hand, if it were a random break-in, then those handguns acted as bait and "saved" the rest of my possessions from being stolen.
Click to expand...

This is not probable. It sounds like to me that they knew what they were looking for. In fact, thieves will generally search MORE when you have something of value lying about. "what else is just lying about" will be the thinking.

It sounds like they targeted the guns to me. ESPECIALLY if they kicked in the front door in plain sight to rob you. Kicking in the door in plain sight is a BIG warning sign for people to call the cops, so they knew exactly what they were looking for and knew it was only going to take a few seconds to get to.
 
Sir, before you buy replacement guns, I suggest you attend some type of Gun Safety Class. Just about every state has a law that covers unattended weapons security requirements. Here in Florida you violated the following:

F.S. 790.173(1)). In fact, a person faces up to sixty days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1000 dollars if convicted for failure to properly secure or store a firearm or is accessed by a minor (F.S.790.174). Leaving a weapon unattended in plain view within the house is not properly secured.
 
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This is fuel for gun grabbers, who argue that even though decent people aren't a problem, the mere existence of INS is bad because criminals will steal them.

There is now a very high probability that within the next 10 years your guns will be involved in homicides. It would be wise to let the cops know immediately.

For gods sake a well mounted safe wouldve prevented this needless loss of property and probably murders with your guns.
 
I hide any evidence of gun ownership

when around my home. My home is a house with an attached garage. When I get ready to go to the range I put my car in the garage with door down and load my guns and equipment. I am guessing the neighbors have no idea that I am a gun nut. I also have the all the data on my guns put in a separate place in case I am burglarized so I can report serial numbers and descriptions to the police. I have mixed feelings about this last but also...I do not advertise my NRA membership on my car by using the bumper stickers etc because people would realize I have guns in my house and then burglarize when we are not home.
 
what is the lesson learned?
Click to expand...

Guns are not toys. They are not to be played with, or shown off. You have now given criminals nice tools to use in their trade. Please get smart quick, or do yourself and the rest of us a favor and sell off the rest of your collection.
 
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