what kind of precautions do we need to take?

jennlin · December 2011

when my moms car was broken into last night, they took her GPS....programmed in her GPS was names and addresses of every one they've ever visited, ever. (my dad is a tech-geek, and loves programming things into his GPS/toys.....he uses GPS to get *home* ...*every* day.....you know..the same house they've lived in for 27 years.).

so basically, it's name and addresses....and a few days worth of mail. not a whole lot..but what should we watch out for?

TIA.

amandasw · December 2011

well, make sure their home has a security system! I remember seeing this on the news a while ago that people shouldn't put their home address in the GPS for this reason Which I'd never though of and everyone else I've mentioned it to hadn't considered either. But considering they know where your parents live, I would make sure it's secure.

ETA: I wouldn't worry too much about all the friends' addresses, and come to think of it, the main reason they say not to put the home address in your GPS is if they steal the car when you're out - so basically they know you aren't home and have your car. In almost all the cases I've heard of (car or house) the police tell us/them it's usually kids doing it - they aren't masterminds and don't have big plans. They just wanted to get some stuff and get out. It's possible they aren't even interested in your parents house - they could just as easily watch someone else leave for work and break in. Not sure if that's comforting, but I think it helps not turn the whole thing into feeling like someone is after you. Worth asking the police about though!

jennlin · December 2011

amandasw:
But considering they know where your parents live, I would make sure it's secure.

yes, my parents have a security system. but does *everyone else* need to be notified? people that they have names and addresses for? (ex me, aunts/uncles, cousins, friends, etc).

they didn't take my parents' garage door opener, which helps, since i heard that if they have that + gps, it's an easy target. also, their car was broken into about 20 miles from home.

amandasw · December 2011

jennlin:
amandasw:
But considering they know where your parents live, I would make sure it's secure.
yes, my parents have a security system. but does *everyone else* need to be notified? people that they have names and addresses for? (ex me, aunts/uncles, cousins, friends, etc).
they didn't take my parents' garage door opener, which helps, since i heard that if they have that + gps, it's an easy target. also, their car was broken into about 20 miles from home.

that's great that they have a home security system - and hopefully the giant sign out in their yard that says so

jennuinne · December 2011

Doing criminal defense, I've never seen someone commit a burglary or crime at a home after taking a GPS...doesn't mean it can't happen, but I think that someone who breaks into a car or steals a car is looking for fast cash, they'll sell what they can and aren't likely to go back to the house. I'd be more concerned about the mail if there was anything w/ SSN, bank acct info, credit cards, etc. Identity theft is way more likely. So, if anything like that was in the mail or might have been, notify bank, etc., change accts/PIN/password immediately.

CDMay2006 · December 2011

People suck. I agree with all the points in the discussion above. I'm sorry this happened to them.

jennlin · December 2011

thanks you guys..i wasn't sure since i know ID theft gets bigger and bigger all the time..didn't know if name & address was scary enough yet.

what kind of precautions do we need to take?

Re: what kind of precautions do we need to take?

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