Our house was broken into yesterday. I'd like to prevent this from happening again. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 17, 2009 - 40 answers

My younger brother was forced to check his laptop on an American Airlines flight out of Dallas/Fort Worth. You can probably see what's coming, but... [more inside]
posted by bokane on Oct 23, 2009 - 17 answers

Why would someone break into a bunch of cars but ignore valuables only to rifle through paperwork? [more inside]
posted by twiggy on Oct 19, 2009 - 28 answers

Someone stole my 2009 macbook pro. I doubt they can guess my password. Given that, how likely is it that they can access my hard drive's data (I didn't do anything special beyond the default to encrypt it or anything)? Can my Applecare plan transfer to a new laptop? Anything else I can do to help destroy the value of the computer? I don't need any advice about police reports, etc. - but Apple-specific advice welcome.
posted by shivohum on Oct 14, 2009 - 17 answers

Help me comfort a friend whose partner was just arrested for the local equivalent of grand theft. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 7, 2009 - 25 answers

A coworker was robbed this week, and a box of very sentimental items was taken. Can anyone offer some advice for possibly having them returned or found? [more inside]
posted by snapped on Oct 1, 2009 - 17 answers

Is this odd cell phone phishing or normal wrong number? [more inside]
posted by sesquipedalia on Sep 3, 2009 - 13 answers

Help me help my fiancé recover from identity theft. (Please?) [more inside]
posted by mockjovial on Aug 20, 2009 - 6 answers

Is filing too many claims always a death knell for your insurance? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 18, 2009 - 6 answers

I'm curious about 'trojan' software for tracking a computer after it's been stolen. [more inside]
posted by kaibutsu on Aug 7, 2009 - 9 answers

They got the guys who robbed us. They were arrested but have posted bond and are awaiting trial (I guess). What happens now on my end? [more inside]
posted by kristymcj on Jul 27, 2009 - 7 answers

What is the purpose of these mirrors behind the customer, about waist-level, in checkout lanes? They seem to be set up so that the cashier can get a good look at my butt - which I doubt is their true purpose. [more inside]
posted by meowzilla on Jul 20, 2009 - 13 answers

My client said the cheque was in the mail two weeks ago. The cheque has not yet shown up in my mailbox. Should I ask him about it? [more inside]
posted by wexford_arts on Jun 30, 2009 - 8 answers

Foolproof way to prevent registration sticker theft? [more inside]
posted by oinopaponton on Jun 23, 2009 - 16 answers

Would you be willing to trust your bike to the Abus Granit Futura mini U-lock? (Either alone or as part of some u-lock/chain combo). [more inside]
posted by regicide is good for you on Jun 18, 2009 - 18 answers

I am an oil painter. I have a friend who is (was) a gallery owner (G). The gallery owner knew I am in touch with an esteemed oil painter (E) and arranged to have a two man show with E and another local (venerated) painter. Unbeknownst to E the G is/was in serious financial trouble. E had a gallery for a decade and had a decent reputation. Well, E's show went up and 3 paintings were sold. The other artist had 2 paintings sell. I know E trusted G largely because he felt if I was involved G is a good guy. (The "contact" type of arrangement). G's gallery has now closed and I have helped in final details as a volunteer as G has no staff. I consider G a friend..he has helped me as an artist. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 28, 2009 - 11 answers

My friend's fractal artwork was stolen from DeviantArt and is being sold as a photo backdrop by photographyprops.com. He needs helping with going about this issue, what type of lawyers handle this? Where should he turn to next? His piece is being sold for $150 bucks and he was never contacted nor has he drawn any type of agreement with him.
posted by cheero on May 8, 2009 - 13 answers

MiamiFilter: At the end of May, as part of a longer trip, I will be spending a couple of days in Miami, I will be staying at a hostel in Miami Beach. This is my first hostelling experience and I am a bit concerned about theft of my belongings since one of the hostel reviews I've read indicate there may not always be enough lockers for all the guests (I chose it for location and social aspects). I will also have to park a rental car, probably in a municipal parking garage. Is it safe to leave some clothes/stuff in the car? How big is car crime in this area? Finally, I've read various tips online about how to survive the hostel experience, but any specific tips applicable to Miami would be appreciated.
posted by spherical_perceptions on May 4, 2009 - 7 answers

Just signed a 5 month lease with 4 roommates found on Craigslist, then found out one guy has a criminal record a mile long! How should I begin to deal with this so things don't get physically dangerous, or legally murky? [more inside]
posted by UrbanEye on Apr 16, 2009 - 23 answers

How much should it cost to replace the catalytic converter in my 94 Toyota 4Runner? [more inside]
posted by infinityjinx on Apr 13, 2009 - 10 answers

I already bring my kindle and iphone to work. I'm considering bringing an iliad as well, and I'm worried about theft... What can I do? [more inside]
posted by tehgeekmeister on Apr 6, 2009 - 5 answers

How can I get the stuff cops recovered from a burglary at my place? (in Silicon Valley, Ca) [more inside]
posted by Pasa la bola chetu on Apr 2, 2009 - 12 answers

Loss prevention in a convertible with soft top - Lock the doors, or leave them unlocked? [more inside]
posted by rinogo on Mar 30, 2009 - 22 answers

How to put a young man on the right path ? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 25, 2009 - 17 answers

My application to a short course at a university never arrived. Are there any steps I should take to avoid possible identity theft? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 24, 2009 - 1 answer

What is covered by 'legal responsibility' in relation to a home insurance policy (in the UK)? [more inside]
posted by daveg on Jan 26, 2009 - 2 answers

Someone took my keys at party, crashed my car, and abandoned it. I found out who did it. Now what? [more inside]
posted by ad4pt on Jan 22, 2009 - 26 answers

Sort of like a question I asked before, but not quite as whimsical. I've reached the end of the lease with the apartment my wife and I live in. It's up as of February 1st and that's perfect, because we'd like to be out by then. The problem is that they're asking for a 60 day written notice and we just gave them notice today. In the last 7 days, Mrs. Bageena's father died and while we were out of town for the funeral, someone broke into our apartment and robbed us. [more inside]
posted by Bageena on Jan 19, 2009 - 12 answers

My bike was stolen, and now I think it's being sold on craigslist. How can I go about getting it back? [more inside]
posted by cubby on Dec 5, 2008 - 20 answers

I think my roommate has dissocial personality disorder...what can me and my roommates do to minimize the implications this has on us? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 - 29 answers

A question about someone impersonating my uncle to steal money from his checking account, and how to guard against future attacks. [more inside]
posted by blueberry on Nov 12, 2008 - 5 answers

Most of what I own just got stolen. What should I do that I haven't yet done? And... what now? [more inside]
posted by MrVisible on Nov 12, 2008 - 33 answers

Help me make sure I don't get scammed after having my wallet and phone stolen. What am I missing? [more inside]
posted by media_itoku on Nov 11, 2008 - 8 answers

What are the countries, provinces or states shown in this image? [more inside]
posted by bru on Oct 18, 2008 - 12 answers

I am having trouble with some kids stealing my political yard signs. Four are gone so far, although they are only targeting the presidential signs not the down ticket races. The signs are on my property near the street (~6-10ft from the road). Is there a particular substance that would maintain the cleanliness of the signs, cause immediate distress to anyone touching the signs, and not permanently harm them? [more inside]
posted by mshellenberger on Oct 12, 2008 - 48 answers

Identity theft? [more inside]
posted by A189Nut on Oct 7, 2008 - 5 answers

So, what's the current Received Wisdom on what to do when you get home and find that your 5 year old has lifted a couple pieces of candy at the grocery store without benefit of payment? [more inside]
posted by baylink on Oct 7, 2008 - 35 answers

I think my friend's adolescent daughter tried to steal from me. Do I tell on her? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 30, 2008 - 39 answers

My lovely bike was stolen from a pretty large apartment complex this weekend, most likely by a neighbor who shares our small courtyard. Other than moving out promptly, is there anything I can do to assuage my anger about this? [more inside]
posted by halogen on Sep 10, 2008 - 16 answers

Is LoJack really worth it? [more inside]
posted by 6:1 on Sep 3, 2008 - 19 answers

Prophylactic-laptop-theft-filter: Help me keep my macbook mine. [more inside]
posted by MaddyRex on Sep 3, 2008 - 7 answers

is volvo liable for my car alarm not going off during a break in? [more inside]
posted by violetk on Aug 21, 2008 - 14 answers

Ex-criminal thinking of committing new crimes. [more inside]
posted by TooSlick on Aug 19, 2008 - 27 answers

Mail stolen...what further steps should I take? (if any!) [more inside]
posted by Liosliath on Aug 12, 2008 - 8 answers

How do I guard myself against purse snatchers? I've lived in the suburbs all my life, and am used to strolling down the sidewalk in oblivion, my purse strung loosely over my shoulder. Now, it looks like I will be moving to either the DC area or San Francisco for my job. For those of you that live in a big city, what tips and tricks do you use to protect your belongings? Are some styles of purses less attractive to thieves than others? Should I use a messenger bag instead? When it's raining/snowing, how do you handle the challenge of protecting yourself from both the elements and purse snatchers?
posted by invisible ink on Jul 30, 2008 - 35 answers

Someone has accessed a friend's Facebook account more than once, despite the fact that my friend changes passwords on a regular basis. How? [more inside]
posted by Slam I Am on Jul 10, 2008 - 18 answers

Should we press charges against a neighborhood kid? [more inside]
posted by Biblio on Jul 3, 2008 - 66 answers

I've been doing a combo bike/bus commute on LA Metro for about a month now, and I find myself obsessing about how easy it would be for someone to steal my bike off the rack mounted on the front of the bus with no one being the wiser. Is there something I could do/use to at least make thieving my bike a little more inconvenient, yet not add much to the time it takes ME to get it off the rack? On reread, sort of self-defeating I guess - any ideas at all?
posted by DandyRandy on Jul 3, 2008 - 14 answers

UK phone fraud: Someone stole my phone and rang up £3000 of calls to Nigeria. The phone company says it's my fault for not keeping tabs on the phone and I have to pay it. Is there anything I can do? [more inside]
posted by Drexen on Jun 27, 2008 - 24 answers

How can i use my built in laptop webcam to protect my laptop from theft? [more inside]
posted by freddymetz on Jun 20, 2008 - 8 answers