Real scumbags out there...stole from my son

jhelgesen · 09-07-2006, 04:22 AM

Talked to my exwife and kids last night, they were all shaken up. They had recently moved to a new neighborhood so my kids could go to a better school. Nice place, good neighbors, never any problems.

They got home to find the house broken into. They only found a few things stolen, wifes scooter and helmet, a change jar, etc. They left the tv's, computer, dvd player. Go figure.

The worst part, listening to my son tell me they took his life savings ($80, he's 11) that he has been saving to buy his first car, either a bug or a 914. Had his money in his dresser. What kind of person steals a kids money?

How do I handle this? He and I are going to open a bank account for him this week, but do I replace his money, help him earn it back? Don't know what the right thing to do is....

Suggestions?

Jims5543 · 09-07-2006, 04:26 AM

Open a joint account with $80 for him. There is no lesson to be learned here except that people suck.

RickM · RickM's Garage

I agree. I'd replace the $80 and add another $20 to let him know you care.

Either some kids are joy riding that scooter or it'll end up on Craigslist/Ebay eventually.

pmajka · 09-07-2006, 05:12 AM

Tell the child the money is covered under a home owners insrance policy that all kids have with their dads. There will be the standard 5 dollar deductalble and His premium will go up requireing more quality time with him.

masraum · 09-07-2006, 05:23 AM

Yep, sounds like it was a kid that did the deed anyway. Thieves are losers.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Kids have to learn the same sad lesons adults do. Our next-door neighbor's kids have had their bikes stolen several times because they "forgot" to lock them. Their dad just replaces the bike. My kids always lock their bikes up because they know if their bike is stolen and it isn't locked, they're paying for the replacement. If the bike was locked and the thief used boltcutters, etc... then I would replace the bike. Teach your children responsibility and to prevent careless actions that allow thieves to do their thing. In a case of home invasion/burglary, there isn't much you can do but replace the $ and let everyone know it could have been much worse! Good luck!

CJFusco · CJFusco's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by jhelgesen

The worst part, listening to my son tell me they took his life savings ($80, he's 11) that he has been saving to buy his first car, either a bug or a 914. Had his money in his dresser. What kind of person steals a kids money?

Sounds like someone who knew where his money was. It might benefit to ask your son which of his friends knew where he kept the money.

Groesbeck Hurricane · 09-07-2006, 07:27 AM

If the kids are just leaving their bikes unlocked, no replacement.

Money was in a "hiding" place inside a locked house. Different issue.

I agree that this could be a neighbor who knew where the money was hidden!!

I'd replace the money for my son.

onlycafe · 09-07-2006, 08:28 AM

i would be tell my son to be on the lookout for a douchebag with a new pair of sneakers.

Moses · 09-07-2006, 08:37 AM

Poor kid. Replace the money for him. It would be a shame to have a thief discourage his habit of saving. Oh, how I HATE thieves!

pookie · 09-07-2006, 08:52 AM

How'd they break in? Kicked in door or what? Majority of times burglars are looking for things that are easy to carry and pawn or sell. Cash, jewelry, and guns are the quick ones that come to mind. They don't mess with TV's or eletronics a lot, because these aren't going to be as valuable or easy to get rid of on the street. What kind of scooter was it?

I agree with the others sounds like it was some one who knew where your son kept his money. Maybe an older brother of one of his friends.

I'd replace it for him, and do what you have planned of opening an account with him. I think the account will reinforce the importance of savings. But this is also a way to reinforce why he should never steal anything, now that he knows how it feels.

widgeon13 · 09-07-2006, 08:54 AM

Tell him to take up weight lifting and self defence so when he finds out who did it he can beat the shlt out of them. Chances are you haven't seen or heard the whole story, easy mark and stupid kids, they'll be back.

Sorry this happened, I'm certain it has been a bad experience for the entire family.

While my comment above is quite sarcastic I'll bet they will either return or brag about it at some school. Hope the police can help some as well.

Your son will be a better man for having experienced this unfortunate event.

speeder · speeder's Garage

When my little brother was a puny 11 y.o. he got jumped at the end of our alley for his paper route $$, (he had been collecting from customers that day). He did not recognize the perps and this was an unusual occurrence in caucasia where we grew up, so my friends and I simply rounded up all of the undesirables in the neighborhood and administered beatings until someone ratted or confessed.

It was there that I learned about the questionable value of coerced information, it colors my objection to torturing prisoners to this day. None the less, it was the closest thing to "juvenile justice" available in this country.

Sorry to hear about the break-in, but it does not sound like anything irreplaceable was taken and maybe it was a wake-up call to batten down the hatches better(?)

jhelgesen · 09-07-2006, 09:26 AM

Thanks for the re-assurances guys. Went out at lunch today and opened a pair of savings accounts, one for my boy and one for my little girl also. Replaced my boys $80 and started my little girl with $20. They can make all the deposits they want, but have to be with me to make a withdrawl. I'll try to stress to them its their money to do with what they want, but the importance of saving.

I have a strange feeling when we find out what really happened, it will involve the ex's looser ex-boyfriend.

adrian jaye · 09-07-2006, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RickM
I agree. I'd replace the $80 and add another $20 to let him know you care.

yep agree

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

obviously this was the work of muslim extremists...

Sorry, couldn't resist. This sucks, but is a learning opportunity. The sad reality is that there are bad people out there, and at some point all of us suffer loss. I agree that it sounds like an inside job (ie a "friend"). Makes it all the more sickening. I would replace the money but say that it was covered by insurance (so he can learn about that concept). Take him down and start him a proper savings account at the bank so he can learn that concept. Then have the sad talk that some people who pretend to be your friend really aren't. And maybe ask him if he's had trouble with any kids, especially if there are any bullies. And if he's so inclined, it is a great age to start martial arts (as long as you get a good school that isn't run by a psycho).

I feel for him. When I was 15 somebody came into the house and stole my Fender Telecaster Deluxe. It was the only thing they took. To this day I think I know who took it.

The Chris · 09-08-2006, 12:34 PM

Tell him his money was D_A_D insured (as opposed to federally), and explain thats why your insure things you care about.

Then replace the money =)

M.D. Holloway · 09-08-2006, 01:33 PM

Nothing a hungry Rotty and a 12gauge can't solve. Still, your kid must be sad and your ex must have the willys. Theft is an invasion, a rape of a home - disgusting.

speeder · speeder's Garage

I have one of these signs:

dan79brooklyn · 09-08-2006, 06:35 PM

Thieves always go for the dresser drawers. Happened to my mom too, She had $1500 stolen out of her bedside dresser! My wife had her first apartment broken into in Queens, NY. they stole all her cameras. Thieves will get their Karma payback and I'm sure hate themselves as much as you do.