<p>My DD3 came home from work today to find her apartment had been broken into. She lives in a nice section of NYC. I feel so badly for her. The police arrived while she was talking to her sister. Some cash was missing, but she didn’t know about anything else as her room had been trashed. None of the electronics was taken, but she doesn’t know about anything else. </p>
<p>I know that if this is the worst thing that happens to her, then she will have a very fortunate life. However, I feel so helpless being 1000 away. No matter how old our children get, we still worry. Now, I will worry even more. </p>
<p>We just had a church mission where the visiting priest talked about forgiveness. It will take me a while to forgive this jerk. I am just so thankful that neither she nor her roommate were injured.</p>
<p>It’s so personal when a complete stranger invades our space and takes something that belongs to us. It’s very scary when the place you once considered your safe place doesn’t feel quite as safe any more. I’m sorry that happened to your DD and I understand your concern. </p>
<p>How did they get in? I would want my locks changed in case they were able to obtain a key while in the apartment. Is it possible that security cameras in her building or nearby may help? “Don’t worry” is easier said than done, I know. I hope your DD isn’t too afraid to stay in her apartment.</p>
<p>I don’t know how they broke into the apt. building, but they removed the cylinder from the lock. I know that they will be getting new locks. How do you protect yourself from that kind of break in. I felt so much better about her living in NYC because we were there at Christmas. I know that it can happen to anyone, but I am just so sad — and angry.</p>
<p>I am sorry about your D. Both my kids live in Manhattan and I insist on a doorman building with security cameras. Not foolproof but somewhat of a deterrent.
My house was broken into more than 30 years ago. The loss of material goods mean so much less compared to that the safety of my private space has been violated.
My hugs to you, as much as we want to, we can’t fully protect our kids. Have her insist on better quality locks be replaced, not just the cylinder and lock the deadbolt one too. I know my son doesn’t bother to use the deadbolt lock.</p>
<p>silverlady, so sorry to hear that. How is your D holding up?</p>
<p>I hated it last year when my D lived alone. Nothing ever happened to her, but I like it better now that she lives with three others.</p>
<p>S’s building has private storage lockers in the the underground parking garage. A couple months ago several, including his, were crowbarred and he lost his great bike and all his hand/power tools. The police did recover his tools, but the bike has not turned up.</p>
<p>I’m so sorry to hear about your D. I remember my parents house being burglarized when I lived at their house as a young adult. The thieves went threw my drawers. I remember feeling so violated.</p>
<p>My D1 lives in Manhatten. Would you be willing to provide some additional information? </p>
<p>-Where is her “nice” section?
-Does she have a doorman?
-What floor is she on?
-If on the first, was there easy access, bars on the windows?</p>
<p>In other words, to help us, how did the thief get IB?</p>
<p>No, she doesn’t have a doorman. She lives on the first floor in Chelsea. You have to buzz the front door to get in, but no doorman. There are bars on her windows. Someone must have let him in after he buzzed, or just followed them in.</p>
<p>She lost a bit of cash, and some jewelry, but surprisingly her most valuable pieces were not taken. The pieces that were taken were very sentimental, though.</p>
<p>She and her roommate would love a place with a doorman, but unfortunately, they can’t afford it. She loves her apartment and her location. I hope she still will after this.</p>
<p>Thank you all for the kind words. I will keep praying for her. I love NYC, but it is so hard for someone who hasn’t lived there to not feel fear for loved ones who do.</p>
<p>Sending hugs to both you and your daughter. I know how awful it is to be far away when your child is experiencing a crisis. It is such an awful feeling knowing someone has broken into your home.
When I was a teen, our house was broken into twice…then a few years later, it happened again ( I was married and in my own home by then ) It was always small things taken , but it was enough to make my parents sell the house and move to a safer area. I hope they catch the person / people who did this and your daughter gets some peace</p>
<p>Sorry and glad no one was hurt. I had my apartment once broken into as well… 40 years ago. It was also a ground floor apartment-- curbside. I haven’t looked at any robbery statistics, but I’m betting ground floor units that have easy street access have higher break-in rates. I know when I recently helped my DD locate an apartment, I insisted that she find one on a higher floor, for both safety AND privacy.</p>
<p>so sorry to hear about your DD3. My S also lives in Chelsea in a non doorman building. It is typically a very safe area… even without a doorman. Unfortunately people do sometimes allow others in without a key or being buzzed in.
Maybe have Home Depot ( on 23rd between 5 th and 6th… closer to 5th) install a new deadbolt lock. I am sure both girls will feel safer with new stronger locks. </p>
<p>Do you live far from NYC? I am in Boston but I am down there frequently as I am a native NY-er.</p>