09/ 01/ 2014
In August, I moved into a new apartment with a friend from graduate school named Lauren. We love the space–it’s bright, has a dishwasher and 2 enormous bedrooms. What a NYC dream, right? I was just beginning to feel settled in, when I came home one Sunday afternoon to discover that we’d been robbed.
I’ve never been burglarized before, and it was hard to believe at first. Since moving here, I hadn’t felt like my home was ever at risk. But alas, it had happened, and I had to deal with the aftermath.
One personal attribute that I am most grateful for is my ability to stay calm in a crisis. I sprang into action pretty quickly, and within 4 hours, 6 different police officers had questioned me; another officer dusted for finger prints; my good friend Jordan arranged for her husband to come over; and a locksmith came and changed the locks. The next day, I was on the phone with the insurance company (I highly recommend getting renters insurance no matter where you live), and my claim was processed quickly. I called the police to follow up, and also convinced my landlord to install a window gate over the fire escape to deter future intruders. It was certainly stressful to deal with all of this, but surprisingly, everything went fairly smoothly.
On a more positive note, never had I ever felt like such a grow-up before. I didn’t immediately call my parents to ask them what to do. I was persistent in my calls and filed all the necessary paperwork… essentially, I took care of things like a proper adult. It was weird, but also rather empowering.
On the way home the night after the incident, I broke down. I don’t cry very often, and when I do, it comes out of no where. So there I was, riding the train uptown, listening to my meditation app, trying to calm down, and I just started weeping.
Upon entering my apartment, I told Lauren how violated I felt, and that I’d never longed for a sturdy, strapping, young lad to be in my life so much–one who would come stay with us and protect us. I also said that I’d never felt scared in my own home, and didn’t know how I was going to sleep through the night ever again, and that I felt like it was my fault, that some how, I had done something that had caused break in to happen.
She simply reminded me that everything is not controllable. In that moment, her words changed everything for me–I stopped crying. Then I told myself that we were very lucky. The most inconvenient items stolen were a MacBook Air and an iPad, which were both replaceable. Neither I nor Lauren were home. My new cat Harlow was perfectly safe… I took a deep breath. We were fine.
I’ve learned many things from being robbed, including some safety recommendations from the NYPD, which I will share shortly. But the lesson that will leave the most lasting impact is this: preparation does not a smooth sail make. Just because I can prepare or take precautionary measures, doesn’t mean I’m entitled to a good outcome. Being prepared doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen, because they will, that’s just how the universe works.
I was incredibly lucky to have family and friends who helped us survive the trauma, offering their help and encouraging words. I also felt grateful to have loving parents whom later sent me a fully equipped alarm system, and whom also took my calls anytime day or night. Most of all, I was thankful that an icky situation brought me back to reality, showing me how great my life is, and also, that what matters more than MacBook Airs and iPads, is the wonderful people I have all around me.
Apartment Safety Tips Straight From the NYPD:
That sounds so scary! I am so glad you and your roommate are okay. Thinking of you.
-Bekkah
Thanks Bekkah! It was pretty intense, but we got through it. I hope you’re doing well! I think of you often. Would love to talk soon. xo
What a blessing that you weren’t at home, Jaime. I know how frightening this can be–my previous apt. was broken into not once, but twice! Don’t mean to add to your worries, but are you sure Harlow is o.k.? I didn’t realize it at the time, but the burglar had kicked my cat Jackson hard enough to cause internal bleeding and I almost lost him. Fortunately, I had pet insurance that covered most of the vet bills, but it was a very traumatic experience for him and for me, much worse than the actual break-in. I haven’t had any problems since I moved, but I’m planning to order some of the products you suggested just in case. Thanks for the info.
Hi Katie! Yes… so grateful I nor my roommate were home. Can’t believe you’ve gone through this twice. How stressful! And thanks for asking about Harlow, she’s good. Poor Jackson–glad he’s ok!