12-01-2007, 11:42 AM
Jeez, what a heartbreak...
Having lived many years way off the beaten track on the mainland, we realized that someone could take a chainsaw to our doors and no one would be the wiser. Way before easily installed and supported camera systems. In the bay area, we frequently drove our old Miata around, with the policy that you NEVER leave anything of value in it, and you don't lock it. Opening the door and discovering nothing of value is cheaper than a slit ragtop.
That said, I have to say that our gate and fencing is a deterrant, but only for those who accept that as a "don't come in". We don't leave valuables in sight when we're away.
Who knew that you were going to be gone, and who knew that the laptop was there?
So sorry -- hope you had backups of important data. The piece of equipment is not as important as what it contained. Glad you have neighbors who are concerned and watchful.
This is an issue that anyone in remote rural areas has to address in their own way. All the police patrols or well-intentioned neighborhood watches can't be 100%, and you can't set up entrapment scenarios.
I don't have the answer -- there isn't any "one" answer. For us, it's a risk evaluation, care, and good neighbor relations.
Jane
Having lived many years way off the beaten track on the mainland, we realized that someone could take a chainsaw to our doors and no one would be the wiser. Way before easily installed and supported camera systems. In the bay area, we frequently drove our old Miata around, with the policy that you NEVER leave anything of value in it, and you don't lock it. Opening the door and discovering nothing of value is cheaper than a slit ragtop.
That said, I have to say that our gate and fencing is a deterrant, but only for those who accept that as a "don't come in". We don't leave valuables in sight when we're away.
Who knew that you were going to be gone, and who knew that the laptop was there?
So sorry -- hope you had backups of important data. The piece of equipment is not as important as what it contained. Glad you have neighbors who are concerned and watchful.
This is an issue that anyone in remote rural areas has to address in their own way. All the police patrols or well-intentioned neighborhood watches can't be 100%, and you can't set up entrapment scenarios.
I don't have the answer -- there isn't any "one" answer. For us, it's a risk evaluation, care, and good neighbor relations.
Jane