The Grinch Stole My TV
December 20, 2007
Was a week before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring except for the louse.
Note: Slang definition of Louse = A mean or despicable person
My wife and I were out for a little shopping and our date night. When we come home, the back door is wide open. I walk into the living room, and see a huge gaping hole in the wall where our plasma TV was.
Being “smart” criminals, they stole the TV but left the external electronics box that runs the TV. The plasma we had was an older 2003 version that used an separate box for the tuner and electronics. So all they really have a monitor screen without the electronics that hook it up. I thought about putting it on the back deck with a video camera on it to see if someone comes by to pick it up.
Note that there were much more valuable items just sitting on the table they walked right by to get this TV that now will not work for them (we had recently been shopping for Christmas presents). Yet, they wanted a TV. Figures. What is it about a TV that drives people to insanity?
We called the police and they “rushed” right over. After telling them what happened, we came up with a likely suspect. With the style of the crime and since it was done one week before Christmas, we have a pretty good idea. See enclosed sketch of the most likely suspect.
Additional information about the suspect includes that he drives a sleigh pulled by a small dog and has a heart 2 sizes too small. If you have any information that leads to the capture of this criminal, fill out the comment form below.
In addition to the TV, they stole my wife’s jewelry box. Fortunately, she was wearing her favorite jewelry at the time, so our homeowners insurance covers the cost of what they stole. She is still quite upset about a few pieces they stole because of the sentimental value, including her class ring, a necklace from her mother, and several other gifts she received.
They hit our dog with a broom they took from the porch (it was laying in the living room when we got home). He is OK although he is acting quite nervous. Makes sense. He is a protective dog although he is getting old so I hope someone at least got a nasty bite out of the experience.
My wife feels violated by the burglary. Besides getting an alarm and another guard dog (I love dogs), what should I do to help comfort her?
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19 Responses to “The Grinch Stole My TV”
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Hi,
I would suggest to change country. I heard that Japan is a pretty safe country. I would tell her also that the most important thing is that both of you are safe and sound. I know this is not a pleasurable experience because indeed we feel as if we have been violated in our intimacy.
Cheer up Christmas is on the way and all of this will be behind you pretty soon. “Bon courage” like we say out here in France.
Terry, sorry to hear about this, and glad your family is OK. Did your neighbors get hit, too?
Hi Remy and Chris,
We’re fine. And yes, neighbors have had burglaries recently as well (not the same night). It doesn’t seem to bother me much at all. In fact I started laughing when I first came home and saw the hole in the wall (because I thought about how a criminal probably thinks a TV is the greatest thing there is).
Julie is upset and shaken up by it, and I am comforting her.
Terry. Sorry to hear that. Do you have an alarm? Look on the bright side. The criminal cannot afford to buy the proper cables to hook the TV up, but thanks to your business you can afford to buy another Plasma.
God Bless and Merry Christmas
Hi Terry,
Glad to hear you and your wife are well following this unsettling experience.
I would suggest you remind your wife how fortunate you both are. You were not at home when this person burglarized your home. Your dog is safe, too. Though she may have lost some items of sentimental value the memories associated with those things can never be stolen from her heart or mind.
P.S. Many years ago you inspired my husband before I even knew him to get involved in trying to make a business on the Internet (which has had its ups and downs). He was very disappointed when you retired and wrongly or rightly felt a little lost and without direction. Probably if he had stayed the course–in this instance–and followed your original direction–he kept wondering what you would do in this changing Internet world–we would have been more successful but instead there was this new phenomena followed by the next, and the feeling promoted by many marketers that the Internet is drastically changing every day and we must constantly change tactics and direction. The Internet is changing but we finally realize fundamentals persist. We’re both glad to see you back.
Hi Lola,
Thank you for your post.
As a note, the Internet changes, but the basics of success never really change. You provide content and value. It used be just in a newsletter, now it’s also in a blog. You sell to customers and followup on them by email and by mail.
So strategies stay the same although the tactics sometimes change.
The best thing you could ever do for your business is IGNORE most the Internet gurus. Get off their lists. Do a count. Anyone (email or blog) that promotes more often than they give me content is removed.
Please note that the URL you added was removed as it seemed a little too promotional in my opinion for a comment here (and I don’t really like any comments to contain URLs since your name does get linked to on it’s own).
Terry;
As mentioned by some of the others leaving comments, be glad you were not home… you or your wife could be hurt or dead. Nothing else really matters.
I was most bothered by the fact that they hit your dog. That’s just not right. Down here in the south, someone messing with your dog is right up there with someone messing with your wife or child.
Maybe the police will recover the sentimental items that belonged to your wife. Installing a good alarm system that alerts the police or a service is a good idea, but she probably needs some extra special TLC… I know my wife would not feel safe in the house alone after something like that.
I vote for a Weimaraner: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weimaraner
Take care,
Fred
Hi Terry,
It’s good to hear you and Julie were not physically harmed. Several years ago I experienced what Julie is feeling. You immediately feel violated however, those feelings immediately change when you know God protected you from something that could have been worse. Giving thanks and being grateful for what you still have will drown all those other yucky feelings. Tell Julie to not “give place” to such negativity in her heart. Get an alarm system and keep going. Merry CHRISTmas!
Is this what they call a negative feedback loop?
(I.e. Can’t afford a tv >>> steal one >>> spend too much time watching it >>> Can’t afford a TV!)
Just glad you’re family are OK - horrible thing to happen at any time of the year.
Hope your family quickly forget this and you all have a great XMas.
Ed.
Terry,
Thank you for your thoughtful response. I apologize. I did not mean to offend.
Taking my cue from Fred Black who offered suggestions for breeds of dogs, you may wish to consider:
Airedale Terrier
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airedale_Terrier
Very intelligent with good sense of what’s funny.
Standard (the big poodle) Poodle http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_poodle
fageddaboud the hair clipping, very very, intelligent, really pleasant temperment, good hunters and great protectors.
Bullmastiff http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bull_mastiff
My all time favorite for a watch dog because of its size and clever us of same to protect its owners and family. This animal also has a double row of teeth. lol! Extremely loyal.
Thanks Fred, Regina, Ed, and Lola.
I was not offended Lola - Just making sure you understood the rules. I sometimes let links that are there to add to the conversation, but no links are allowed which would promote someone’s site, affiliate program, etc.
Ed - I was thinking along the same lines. Broke >>> Steal a TV >>> Watch The TV >>> Stay Broke
Terry, that’s terrible to hear about the Grinch! I’m glad everyone is ok though. Like you said the house insurance should cover most of the damages. Good thing you have it… It sucks to loose the things with sentimental value.
As I started into your post, I couldn’t help but think “It figures that they would steal the TV”. I imagine thieves watch a lot of TV these days. Maybe they got the idea on TV? Could there be a business idea here? There could be a service where someone would come and remove my TV? The Side effect, I might make more money.
As far as protection, besides a good security alarm system, maybe you could get a 100 pound Rottweiler that always makes a nice surprise for uninvited guests and nice pet.
Merry Christmas! - John
Terry,
Glad you’re ok..! I just came home from a long day of “fighting crime” in Southern Ca, (many burglaries this time of year) and I had to comment on this… kind of a strange coincidence but I am a new copywriter and the first headline of my first sales letter (using some of the techniques I learned from you) is…
“Can a Burglar Really Enter Your Home Through The Peephole Of The Front Door?…Absolutely!”
Keep up the great blog… I read every post! Merry Christmas!
Terry and Julie,
I just got around to reading this, I thought from the headline it might be a humor story…I’m sad that it isn’t!
Praise God you 2 and the dog are okay. Here in Vegas we face a similar problem, except these psychos kick in your door while your home, hold you a gun point, and then rob you or worse.
As a raving fan and man of God I will be praying for all of you.
As for a breed of dog, Mastiffs and The German Shepard as long as you train them.
Again My heart is heavy, but happy that you are all okay.
Merry Christmas.
Wow… so sorry to hear about this violation, Terry. That’s extremely upsetting. Losing your stuff is bad enough, but… they HIT your dog? Oh, man… I’m with Fred on that. That’s the kind of thing that puts me right over the edge.
And like other folks, I’ll say thank goodness you weren’t home at the time. A few years ago, a good friend of mine here in New York had her violin stolen right out of her room WHILE SHE WAS SLEEPING. Ghah!!
Very glad that you and Julie are fine.
Terry
I can’t believe they hit your dog! I told my wife and she couldn’t believe it.
I’m glad you are all OK now.
Andrew
Your wife is correct to feel upset. Much moreso, unfortunately, than a guy needs to feel. (I know this sounds sexist; nevertheless it’s usually true.)
I’d recommend being more vigilant with your neighbors for awhile. My guess is that these low-lifes picked you because you acted somewhat carelessly and they pounced on it. Leave the house and come back shortly after. Randomize your routine just a bit. Don’t change your lifestyle, but just a few tweaks here and there might make a difference.
The video camera is a super idea, of course.
Regards,
Bal
Crazy!
When I first saw this post, I thought it was a joke, but now I’ve actually read the whole thing. Man, the things people will do for money and material things. Sheesh.
Sorry to hear about the theft. On the bright side, it makes for good writing material.
Terry,
I’m in the security business. I’d suggest a metal security screen door on the front door, and possibly on the back door. You have dogs, so it can only help to put a Beware Dog sign on your side gate. Make sure all windows have the security stickers on them on the outside of the window for better visibilty, plus your alarm company’s sign in front.
This is for starters.
Email me with your phone if you’d like
more security ideas.
Lee
Las Vegas