[NavyBeeker]

After 48 yrs of perhaps being lucky, for the first time my DD was defiled last Thursday -- around 7:15am when punks professionally shattered the front passenger window and grabbed a backpack and gym bag.

Arlington, TX in the gym parking lot. I was in the gym at the time. Car was locked with windows up. Was shocked to come out to car & find it in that condition - only 30 mins after I'd arrived! Sun was shining, lots of cars & people going in/out.... no one reported or saw/heard anything?! Really? Really!

No car alarm lights or sounds going off when I arrived either -- need to find out why no alarm sounded? Thought I had a motion sensor too...... 2008 550i. A few scratches around passenger door but luckily no other damage besides the window itself. Safelite came to my home the next day and replaced the window & vacuumed most of glass up too. Great service, will post a few pics later perhaps.

Police report filed - too bad no outside security cameras at the gym.

Miracles happen -- later Thursday got a call from a good Samaritan who found the bags dumped in a dumpster. Got the bags and "most items" back also -- minus a few items of value taken. Next day found that dumpster and found a few more minor items, confirming the bags had actually been there. Gave the guy some cash as a thank you (he never asked for a reward). He takes scrap metal from dumpsters to sell for cash.

Obviously was naïve in leaving those items visible as a temptation. Won't happen again. Now the wife wants me to quit that gym....

[bimmerbuff]

Sorry to hear. Are you sure the alarm didn't go off though and just silenced by the time you got out to the car? I thought the clown nose light was supposed to flash rapidly if it had gone off so you would know something had happened.

[P1]

Never a good thing. These things happen so fast. Only takes a split second for these guys to act, and they're gone in less than 30. Even if someone heard anything, what would they have done? I always hide my crap to avoid exactly this.

[gtron]

that sucks.

i rarely leave anything of value in a car and if i have to it's locked in a trunk and the glove box locked.

[upstatedoc]

Wouldn't you just love to catch these mutherf*ckers doing this?

[NavyBeeker]

Now I will be going to a different gym (same chain) that is closer to home - hopefully in a less hostile area.

OBTW - the subsequent week the gym receptionist told me there were 3 other break-ins (since mine).

[jt335i]

Oh no! Sorry to hear. I always keep the inside clean and clear (locked in the trunk) of anything (value or no value) that's not part of the car so as to prevent a situation like this.
Glad to hear you got most of your things back. Good know that there are still honest people out there.

[datbimmer]

Sorry to hear. My alarm on my 335i will go off for a few minutes and then simply flashes the hazard lights until I turn off/unlock.

[ThatRWD]

Keep hit paperwork with your important items, keep some scary things in the car too. #550i.

[m3ray]

Switch gyms for what? You can get broken into anywhere, especially if you leave valuables visible in the car.

[NavyBeeker]

Originally Posted by m3ray

Switch gyms for what? You can get broken into anywhere, especially if you leave valuables visible in the car.

1. Make wife more at ease (psychological thing, don't apply logic).
2. Other gym is in a different town, less of a criminal element.
3. Other gym is slightly more conveniently located between home/work.
4. Other gym is still in same chain (LA Fitness) so no paperwork / extra $$ needed from me.

[NavyBeeker]

Update as of 12/1: Just picked up car from body shop where paint scratches were repaired, window frame trim (shadowline black) was replaced, and slight dent in A-pillar repaired. Excellent job will post pics later.

[bimmerbuff]

Good to hear!