Break-in last week

Last Thursday (Nov 6) -- sometime during the day/early evening -- someone broke into our apartment (a block off Smith). The deadbolt was locked, they kicked in the apartment door (we're on the third floor of a brownstone). The front door of the building wasn't damaged -- the downstairs neighbor often leaves the front door unlocked; it is a frequent problem which we've had little success at rectifiying, but hopefully this incident will be a motivation to be more careful with security.

Very few things were taken; it appears that the thief just took what was easy to slip into pockets.

I'm posting this now for a couple of reasons: First, with the long-shot hope that someone will recognize the two most important items that were taken (a ring that had belonged to my grandmother, and one which belonged to my great-grandmother). One was a gold band with three small inset diamonds, the other was a gold band with a large oval garnet, surrounded by several small garnets. These mean a lot to me personally, and I would obviously offer a reward to get them returned.

Second, I'm posting this to see if anyone in the neighborhood has had anything similar happen to them recently. Everything about this break-in was weird (our third-floor apartment being targeted, but not the neighbor's; the daytime break-in; the small amount of things taken; etc.). It doesn't add up, and I'm wondering if anyone recognizes a pattern?

The cops were very responsive, but there's not much they can do in this situation.

Thanks.

Get a alarm and put the sticker of the company on the door.

I don't understand why so few people get renters insurance. Its cheap (around $100 per year) and gives you some peace of mind.

Subject: Fishy

To me this sounds like an inside job. First off The front door not being damaged makes me wonder. I would look at everyone as a suspect. all tenants everyone. Get your locks changed , Go get a multi t lock that no one can make a copy of. Have the landlord change the front lock also to a Medeco or Multi T lock. If You think you feel nervous all you need to do is put up security cameras at the front door and the rear of the house it will take care of all your problems.

An Italian friend of mine said that the first floor of their brownstone (on Carroll and Hicks?) was broken into but nothing taken. It was her sister's apartment and her sister was in the process of moving out. This happened a week-ish before Xmas and I said that they were probably trying to find some electronics that they could carry (iPod, laptop, etc.) as gifts or to re-sell. She was scared for her personal safety but I didn't think that that was what the break-in was about.

Good luck finding your rings.

you could also be cheap and just by the alarm company stickers.....

http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZalarmQ20stickerQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZR40QQ_mdoZ