The thief had probably used a crowbar to break in.. took off with my laptop, handycam, ipod and some cash (
The police surprisingly did not lift any prints !? They gave me no hope.. infact they even said, there s probably no chance that I would get my stuff back...
Is there anything I can do, other than just wait ????
But I hear, normal house insurance does not cover theft ?
True... I can still not come to terms with the fact that somebody just broke into my apartment.. very disturbing !
I have already made plans to move
Goodness, normal house insurance doesn't cover theft? I must have a look at my contract!
I'd move if I were you too. Such a pity that your life has to be turned upside down just because of some scoundrel
Sorry about your experience.
I chose to stay as I thought it was a total fluke and bad luck since the thief broke in during easter weekend but mainly because I still felt that the place was safe. If you don't then the best is to move.
I would also advise to get housing insurance. It is well worth it because of not only what may be taken but also potential damages that may needs to be repaired as well.
I hope you find better peace of mind in your new place.
BUT the distress about your home being invaded like that really did pass. We were lucky to have some lovely police officers who had a long chat with us about just that. They emphasised the unlikelihood of the same place being broken into twice but also got that it wasn't something you can turn off by thinking about it rationally - recommended getting a few (almost symbolic) security additions to make us feel a bit safer.
After a few weeks, the uneasy feeling at home passed and I feel no less safe at home than I did before. I know it's horrible, but if you stick it out, try to rationalise things and maybe add an extra lock to help soothe you, it will get better and you'll save yourself the distress of moving.
Ultimately, it's healthier to try to get over it there - if you just move, there's no guarantee you'll feel safe in a new place, either.
All the best with whatever you go for - hope you feel at home again soon!
Been burgled twice in my apartment - disturbed them the second time. I had not pulled the shutters down in my kitchen and that's where they got in with a crow bar - they ran out through the terrace door and it was the sound of the shutter there been lifted that alerted me to it.
First time, when I opened my apartment door it hit one of my dining chairs, which had been put there by the burglars to alert them if I disturbed them.
Police and landlord were outstanding both times and now I keep shutters down whenever I am leaving no matter how short a time - means it is depressing coming back but both Police and Landlord said that if they are determined they will get in and the shutters down mean that they will probably not go through the hassle of breaking through both.
Interestingly the Police said that the common break in time frame is 6:30pm - 9:30 pm, basically if you are going out from work for a drink or dinner then this is the "safe" time for the burglars to break in, on my second break in it was around 8pm.
Police did prints, asked if any food or drink look disturbed because they would take DNA and also checked really thoroughly for shoeprints.
They also checked that I was okay and apologised on behalf of Zurich and Switzerland that I had such an experience.
I do love my apartment and decided to stay.
BTW was told by a friend in to hollistic "stuff" that I should get some white sage branches and burn them wafting the smoke as I walk through each room to cleanse it of the bad energy.......must admit I didn't do it...
I'm a bit remiss though. I had such a greater impression of Swiss society. I left a laptop on the bus one night and an hour later when I finally caught back up to the bus it was still there. I've just been so impressed with how "unthieving" Swiss people are, that it's hard for me to imagine anyone would want to break into a home.
It makes me want to consider getting a safe put in.
As for technical stuff being not being covered, I'm a little surprised by that statement too.
I had to show some sort of proof that I had owned the laptop and they paid me when I showed them the training manual and a bill for a repair I had had done.
As for household contents insurance, we went through our entire house and priced up the contents. We then got insurance to cover Xthou CHF. I even offered to provide the insurance a copy of my inventory, but was told no need.
I guess you need to check what options you have on your insurance - if you aren't sure, then speak to an insurance broker who can fully explain it to you.