Dear Editor,
I am writing this article to make people aware of this problem.
On August 11, 2018, my mother’s aid stole my safe with the Rebbe’s dollars, all my important papers, jewelry and whatever irreplaceable items in it.
We contacted Shmira, the police, and a private detective.
The private detective told me that there is nothing he can do because I called the thief and warned her to return the safe. Shmira tried but said this is a police department job. The detective in the 71 Precinct told me that the aid had an excuse for every question he asked her.
We obtained videos of the women walking with my safe that she placed into a pamper box, on Montgomery Street for 3 Avenue blocks.
She dropped it off on Malbone behind tall bushes where the camera was not able to see her.
This was certainly premeditated and planned out well.
The detective told me that I don’t have a case because NO one saw her steal it.
My elderly mother saw her lift the safe. But that was not enough evidence according to the detective.
The woman is here only a few years from Uzbekistan and knows the system well.
She has no fear of the government, and is going about her life freely.
This is a HUGE TRAVESTY of the Judicial system!
I am writing this article to warn everyone reading this :
1. Have Kosher Mezuzos and check them yearly.
2. PURCHASE INSURANCE AS SOON AS YOU MOVE INTO YOUR HOME!
3. Always make copies of all your House Deeds, credit cards, stocks and bonds, passports, and anything of value. Place it in a different place or give it to a relative for safekeeping.
4. Take pictures of all your jewelry, have it appraised and get insurance.
5. Check the bags of all your outside help: cleaning help, aids, or anyone
who has access to any room in your house.
6. Install cameras, outside and inside the home: It’s a deterrent!
Check what’s happening in your home on your phone.
7. Hire a private detective with a good reference IMMEDIATELY!
8. Secure your safe, or have an alarm attached to it.
9. Even if you have the same help for many years they can still steal your precious things: clothing, food, shoes, jewelry, silver or anything they desire.
10. Be suspicious of everyone! Do not trust anyone!
May Hashem protect all of Klal Yisrael!
A safe that anyone can walk off with is worse than useless, because it’s obviously a container for valuables. Bolt your safe to either the floor or a sturdy built-in shelf (for example in a linen closet). If to a shelf, use the special bolts that cannot be removed from the underside of the shelf. Also beware, many so-called safes are easily openable. A couple of years ago there was a video made of supposed gun safes being opened by toddlers. I did extensive research on small safes when I became the owner of a handgun for home defense, the… Read more »
In addition to the advice given: Be aware that temptation and opportunity are parters with the yetzer horah. A relative discovered that an employee of many decades was stealing goods from his business because he was approached with an offer much higher than his wages. Over many years of business we found even relatives could take advantage of situations. If a child or an incapacitated person doesn’t seem comfortable with someone find out why and if you think it is neccessary get someone else. “Not a good fit” is an aceptabe excuse for dismissing an employee who is taking care… Read more »
So Sorry for your loss , But its very kind of you to share your story with all col members . We took everything out of our mothers house, thx for friends warnings. Thx again and good Luck
it would be helpful to post a picture so that others can be aware not tp hire her. I am sure she is laughing at us all
You can rent a safe deposit box from most local banks for a small monthly fee ( shoe box size for around $20.00 per month)
When my mother had an aide move in , prior to the date of move in , I removed all jewelry , all silver and valuable China . Saved our family a lot of grief at the end as I had heard of horror stories from my friends who advised me to do same . Do it today and save youself a lot of Agmas Nefesh later .
The FBI should be informed promptly and a Private detective should be on her 24 /7 and make a citizen’s arrest.
If the PD is garbage, throw him on the street. Nothing he says makes any sense. Nor does “nobody saw her steal.”
Oh and one other thing: Install Nannycams eveyywhere. Because elder abuse is far more disturbing than losing your jewelry & money. This should be a given.
Do you knowif the dollars of the Rebbe were marked at all or were they just the dollars without any additional writing on it (such as person’s name, date etc)
Had similar experiences unfortunately.
Thank you for the important tips and reminders. Like comment 2 said, May this be instead of something else, a kapara
Nothing to do with checking mezuzah or insurance. Common unwritten rule is to remove ALL valuables from home of elderly disabled parents BEFORE you let them work in the home. I am speaking from personal experience in dealing with my father’s aides.
Sorry for your loss. I recommend everyone have a bolt-down safe which screws into the floor. Harder to walk away with that. If one is renting and can’t bolt down, then it should be hidden from view, especially from help.
Find out where she lives and track her. Hope at least some of the items are recovered.
im so so sorry for your loss!!!!!!
BS”D very unfortunate sad and aggravating may it be instead of something else
AGREE about #10