Renter's Insurance

Do you have renter's insurance? About to move out of your apartment? Do not cancel your renter's insurance for no reason .It is not worth it! We moved out of our apartment on April 4, 2012. Somehow, my renter's insurance got canceled in an informal conversation taking place via e-mail.

When we experienced our loss, the insurance company refused to pay out the claim. I had zero knowledge of my coverage prior to engaging in the information e-mail communication while in Denver and Boulder, Colorado.

On April 6, 2012, I attempted to call my agent while leaving California. He was busy with another customer. I asked another receptionist about my renter's insurance. I moved out of the apartment 2 days prior. He told me to send an e-mail and or a fax to make a request. One day after Easter, while in Denver visiting my brother's family, my agent mentioned that he would get on the request.

Two days later, we drove to Boulder, Colorado. From Boulder, we were making our way up to Black Hills to see Mount Rushmore. I vaguely responded to an e-mail from the agent's office. In the e-mail response, I never addressed the renter's insurance cancellation. I listed my address and mentioned my professional degree. Apparently, my renter's insurance cancelled out. I never viewed the next message.

On April 16, 2012, we got robbed in the original Carrabba's new parking structure in Houston, Texas during the daylight hours. We got taken for $10,000 in personal possessions and many thousands in intellectual property. The restaurant never provided the video surveillance tape that shows the criminals breaking our window and stealing our luggage and bags.

The next day I called my agent to discuss the robbery/theft case. He told me I should have retained my renter's insurance. He informed me why I didn't talk to him, as I always discuss any policy changes on the phone. I don't blame anyone in the agent's office. It is a terrible outcome to the Houston disaster.

After fighting the cancellation with several insurance company representatives, the decision to keep the 6 year policy active until October 2012 cancelled. Apparently, I never knew about my coverage ever. I didn't jhave any knowledge whatsoever about my coverage. This renter's policy was the very best at a low premium. A District manager informed me that my agent did a great job to provide me with the best renter's policy.

What good does that do me when this policy is prematurely canceled via informal e-mail conversation. I should have been more responsible to read the e-mails attentively. 2 months prior to our loss, the agent noted that their office recently changed their policy to accept e-mails as a form of cancellation. In the past 6 years, you could cancel via fax and or returning the policy via snail mail.

According the Claim's department, the policy has always remained the same from 2006-2012. Every agent's office handles their cancellations according to their stipulations.

This is a huge loss for us. We relocated to seek financial relief  In result, we got robbed in Houston. My insurance company denied my claim based on an informal e-mail request. I never included my policy number, agreed to accept the renter's insurance cancellation.

I made a major mistake dealing with the renter's insurance via e-mail. I never requested any cancellation via e-mail. Recently, my life insurance company requested me to list my policy number, name, date, my request in detail, sign and date the form, and then fax it to their coverage department.

On the opposing side, this insurance company that is one of the largest in America refuses to reinstate my policy. They backdated the cancellation to a date that had passed 8 days. This renter's policy was effect until October.  

How does this Houston crime affect us? We are unemployed. Our documents and portfolio to get work got stolen. We lost our most valuable possessions. Houston police failed to pursue evidence such as requesting private information from another third party and acted negligent in not reviewing the video surveillance (to our knowledge) video of the robbers stealing our life way.

Lastly, a perfect great renter's insurance policy that would have paid out the cost to replace all items lost was canceled by an information e-mail request. We never spoke to any insurance personnel besides the receptionist. In the time of the phone call on April 6, 2012 and to April 17, 2012, we eventually reached the agent after the loss. I consider this agent a great friend.

The insurance company policy states that insured members can cancel their policy by returning the policy in the mail and or in writing. The agent's office recently stated they started taking e-mails in February. However, the Claim's department addressed the California policy rights have never changed. He claims they always accepted e-mail.

In the policy, the two vague lines never mention in detail the right way to cancel. Most companies will not accept e-mails as a preferable way to cancel a policy. Past mistakes may have created major problems. Whereas the policy is extremely detailed with what is not covered, the insured member's cancelation is two small sentences stating to cancel in writing and or return policy in the mail. It does not indicate fax, phone, e-mail, text message, tweets, and any other type of acceptable communication method.

How can we recover from a claim that would have paid out greater than $10,000. Insurance companies will not extend coverage to you when there are obvious loopholes to deny coverage. I urge you to retain your renter's insurance coverage no matter what. You will need it. If you get robbed like us, your insurance company will pay out your claim.

Because we lost everything valuable to us, we can't recover from this loss. The robbers even took my dress pants, which I could not go out on an interview. I can't afford to replace what was lost in the grand theft. Now, my insurance company has denied me several times. I followed the chain of command to be fair. I lack the funds to fight the insurance company, parking structure, restaurant, security company, and the Houston police.

I can't emphasize this enough; keep your renter's insurance. Your life will get ruined in a major loss. We are the perfect example of a system stepping on us to deny us our right to safety, coverage, and a thorough investigation to apprehend criminals that are possibly connected to the a crime network (according to a security officers working for Carrabba's and the Houston police department).

Learn from our unfortunate experience. Never cancel your renter's insurance. Never deal with policy changes via e-mail since an insurance company will refuse to fairly resolve a dispute. Insurance companies will find every way possible to deny your claim. They don't care whether your loss is creating major financial hardship. Nobody cares about our robbery experience. In the end, you must protect your family and yourself.

Keep your renter's insurance. You will need it one day. Don't send e-mails to discuss policy changes. Speak to your agent on the phone. Make sure you understand your coverage before agreeing to a policy. We didn't know we could be covered outside of the apartment. We had a right to be covered.

Therefore, we lost our valuable possessions and got denied on an insurance claim based solely on the informal e-mail communication that took place 8 days after the move-out date, which the insurance company backdated to cancel on April 3. An informal e-mail with no identifying information got my renter's policy prematurely.

Have you experienced an insurance disaster? Want to share your experience?  God forbid you lose your hard work from a minor e-mail, inadequate security, disclosing video surveillance, and anything else that is possible in an unethical string of unfair events. Due to the Houston loss, our life is in shambles. We are educated and experienced people with no means to recover from the Houston disaster. Good luck! Be safe!       

Travel tip

Going on a road trip? Plan to drive through Houston, Texas? If you decide to make a quick stop at a local restaurant in Houston, Texas, take your luggage inside the restaurant. You may get resistance at first, but tell the restaurant staff that you refuse to take any chances with your personal belongings.

In our robbery case, we can't rewind time back to avoid dining at an Italian restaurant. This restaurant decides that keeping their security on the clock during the afternoon is probably unnecessary. In result, the gap in time gave the robbers plenty of leeway to shatter the window and remove our valuables. 

The robbers hit the best car. They could not see inside the car with the tinted windows, though our out-of-state license plates and or possibly an insider tipped the robbers off. You can smell a rotten egg a mile away. Why sit on a video surveillance tape filming the robbers in action? Refusing to contact a third party to request valuable information is another red flag.

We almost left the Italian restaurant. If we took our 2 luggage suitcases, a large bag, a leather bag, and a few other bags into the restaurant, maybe the restaurant staff would think we're crazy. 

You have a right to overreact. Protecting your valuables is the responsible thing to do. When the time comes to accept responsibility, don't expect the police department and the restaurant to pursue the case. The next time you dine inside a restaurant while relocating and or taking a road trip, be smart and take your valuable possession inside with you. It only takes a few minutes to lose everything. 

In a robbery/theft case, the restaurant and the police department will look way. It is easier to ignore a crime rather than solve it. Maybe the police department will contact me in a year to tell us that we need to ask some questions about the loss. Save yourself the pain - take your possessions in the restaurant. If the restaurant has a problem with your luggage, then tell them you will take your business to another restaurant.

Interesting assessment at a Florida Mall

It has been over two months since our quick hour stop at the original Carrabba's Italian Grill in Houston, Texas resulted in us getting robbed. We gathered valuable information to aid the Houston police. They refuse to engage in the robbery case to locate the criminals. The Carrabba's general manager stated to me a day after the robbery that we will cooperate to retrieve your personal belongings.

Two months later, the general manager now believes our personal possessions and intellectual property are long gone. We knew our personal belongings and intellectual property were unrecoverable the moment Carrabba's security indicated Carrabba's does not hire them on for 3-hours each day in the afternoon. 

We are so lucky to have dined in a restaurant for the first time during the daytime. We never visited Houston in the past, previously avoiding the city 7 years ago while making the same exact road trip. According to Carrabba's and their security officer, we are the first to have gotten robbed in their new parking structure.   

The Houston Police have refused to engage in the grand theft. They have access to the video surveillance. It seemed the security officer taking the police report that April 16, 2012 afternoon would review the video surveillance along with Carrabba's Direct of Operation. Two months later, the Houston police department and the Original Caraabba's failed miserable. 

Both of these outfits lack professionalism and empathy. They overuse "we're sorry this happened to you" and "people get robbed on every street corner in America" too much instead of doing something to pursue these criminals who ruined us. We have nothing left. Many valuable possessions, important documents, and intellectual property are gone. 

Houston police ignored following-up with a lead. We informed them to take simple steps to acquire sensitive information from another entity. Over the past few months, we experienced nothing but hardship due to this robbery. Houston police and Carrabba's are irresponsible. Carrabba's 3-hour security-less window increased the risk. 

Today, we watched Florida mall security patrol the parking lot. Many cars have luggage and personal belongings inside their vehicle. A few of these vehicles were parked more than 2-hours with no incident.I refuse to believe that anyone can get robbed. The truth is that we have never gotten robbed in the most dangerous places. Carrabba's and the Houston police deserve no respect in this robbery case. 

In my opinion, Carrabba's needs to release the surveillance video. If the restaurant and police continue to disregard the evidence, they are allowing criminals to get away with a serious crime. Don't fall for poor treatment. We recommend avoiding Houston, Texas. It only takes 1-hour to ruin your life. 

At 3115 Kirby Drive in Houston, Texas, robbers broke out our drive window in broad daylight. They took luggage and bags with many of our valuables. We were relocating to Florida. This robbery is our reward for dining in Carrabba's Italian Grill for the first time. Whereas Carrabba staff members tried to help the best they could that night, the truth is their policies increased the risk. In result, we got robbed. 

How would travelers react to have their vehicle robbed while they dine inside a restaurant with security taking an extended 3-hour break? There is no excuse to this event. We are not talking about a minor incident. The Florida mall example, the hotels we stayed at while traveling across the country, and malls we shopped at had good security. Most;y all places we visited in the past 20 years have good security. 

We're not claiming Carrabba's Italian Grill as an entity is dangerous to visit. We're suggesting that this original Carrabba's location at 3115 Kirby Drive in Houston, Texas is the location we got robbed on a Monday afternoon while their security is on an extended 3-hour break daily. In our opinion, the restaurant wants to save money with keeping a 3-hour window open and wants to make money with converting the traditional parking lot into valet parking. 

Carrabba's points the blame at the American crime rate rather than accept their mistake. We got robbed there. We didn't get robbed at Olive Garden, Chevy's and any other restaurant. No security was around. The unprofessional robbers broke out the window. Glass projected in the back seat, on the floor, in the middle console and pretty all through the interior. I had to pay $250 to repair the window out of my own pocket. 

Does it makes any sense for robbers to break out a window, which we might add is probably extremely loud? Moreover, the surveillance video is recording them robbing the car. To make matters worse, we never hear from Carrabba's ever again after we discussed the event with them. According to the restaurant, the Houston police don't deal with car theft and robberies; they tell you to call the police station to make a report instead. 

What kind of police depart is Houston, Texas operating? They get a perfect lead. All they have to do is request the information by letterhead. However, their lack of professionalism in requesting information from another entity and failing to reviewing video surveillance tape prove this city is condoning crime. Is this evidence on the tape that connects the criminals to another?

In San Jose, a past identity theft case resulted in the San Clara and San Jose police apprehending the thief. It only took two weeks to find this person based on video surveillance. In this Houston case, the restaurant has a video tape in this possession with the robbers. Who knows if their vehicle and license plate number are in the video surveillance? If that video tape goes missing, then it's obvious the intent is to disclose the truth. 

It is frustrating to think that Carrabba's Italian Grill's corporate office is ignoring this matter. Their restaurant is trying to sweep the April 16, 2012 robbery under their rug. Where is the respect? Sorry doesn't cut it. Are they sorry we drove across five states, unable to sleep, park for more than a few minutes, our safety at stake, rain and fog pouring in the car, and that we were without our possessions - including clothes? Forget sorry. 

Carrabba's and their security claim this is the first time anyone has gotten robbed in their new structure. They allowed us to leave that afternoon, knowing we had to drive home to Central Florida. What kind of business treats people this way? Their actions before and after the robbery demonstrate a lack of compassion. They keep recycling the American crime rate as an excuse to not take accountability for the robbery. 

As a person who has worked as a server in popular restaurants while attending college, I have never seen or heard of any event such as our experience. Carrabba's is ignoring the crime. In my opinion, the Houston police are condoning crime with refusing to engage into the matter. They have a hard time locating case numbers rather than investigate a serious crime. 

A U.S. Passport, Social Security card, tax forms for three people, $10,000 worth of personal possessions, and $50-100K of intellectual property on the computer and in a original book are missing. This is the first time I've experienced adverse treatment connected to a restaurant and the police station. 

All travelers should be very careful driving through Houston, Texas. According to the restaurant, security and the Houston Police department, robbers are hitting up rich areas. If you so happen to get robbed, don't expect anyone to show compassion for your loss. Carrabba's insurance company Town & Country shift blame, avoid responsibility and refuse to accept claims. 

Never go into Houston, Texas unless you have personal property insurance. This city is ranked as one of the most high crime cities in America. Whereas San Antonio ranks high in crime, the city actually provides adequate security to keep patrons safe. In Houston, the original Carrabba's, Houston police, restaurant security, and Town & Country insurance company turn away from a criminal incident (based on actual evidence, their statements made on the phone, in-person, and through suggesting crime is common across America). One Houston police officer stated that a 5-year-old can break into a car. 

We can see a 5-year-old stealing possessions weighing twice his weight. One suitcase weighed 50 pounds. The car windows are tinted. It is tough to unload the suitcases and bags. Furthermore, anyone can break a window in broad daylight while filmed on camera robbing private property. Better yet, the restaurant and police refuse to deal with the crime. We suppose a 5-year-old can rob a car under these circumstances. 

If you're traveling into Houston, keep sensitive documents with you. The security officer interrogated me as if I were a criminal. He assigned a name and a Houston address to me. I told him I have no idea what he is taking about. He continued to demand information to prove ownership of the vehicle. However, the robbers helped themselves to the registration and car insurance documents as well. 

Maybe the security officer who works for Carrabba's and the Houston police department is frustrated he has to deal with the police report under his watch. He claimed the area is very rich, and that nothing like this robbery has happened prior to our loss. We have no idea why this officer requested our social security numbers, which we provided at the time but should have withheld. Everything in this robbery is shady. 

Our California plates probably lured the robbers. Inadequate security gave the robbers enough time to do as they please with nobody standing in their way to stop them. The irresponsible original Carrabba's restaurant and the Houston police ignoring the crime. We called many times to provide information. Not one person from Carrabba's and or the Houston police returned any calls. 

After 5 weeks of being proactive, I decided to temporarily disconnect from the Houston police and Carrabba's. This website will remain active to inform the traveling popular to increase awareness. We would hate to see anyone suffer like us. Going on 9 weeks, nobody from Houston cares. It is obvious the Houston police have no interest in fighting crime. The Carrabba's Italian Grill restaurant blames the American crime rate on our loss. For the most part, apprehending robbers responsible in this major theft case could resolve future crimes. 

Based on our Houston travel experience, avoid dining at restaurants in any rich Houston areas. Keep your eyes open, stay alerts on your surroundings while in fast food drive-thrus and at gas stations. We never made any stops to increase our risk. It was our bad luck we continued on course to visit a restaurant with inadequate security. In the process, we got robbed. If the restaurant took proper measures, we would still own our personal belongings and probably have jobs. 

Unfortunately, we will continue to experience major hardship due to this robbery. Carrabba's will ignore the April 16, 2012 case. If Carrabba's spends thousands a week on top security, then they are doing a poor job. If any group of criminals can shatter a window in broad daylight while high-end surveillance film is rolling and security is on an extended 3-hour break, this location is obvious unsafe. 

We hear constant claims that Houston police are overly busy with major cases that theft and robberies are handled on the phone. This is irresponsible. Don't expect police to keep you safe. We highly doubt our valuable possessions will be recovered. If a miracle happens, we will renew our faith in the Houston police. Until that time arrives, Carrabba's and the Houston police get poor scores for their response to a major theft.       

Don't trust rich Houston areas: Travel tip

Rich areas are prime real estate. Robbers know to visit the rich areas to steal your possessions. When you park your vehicle in a parking lot, don't leave anything inside your vehicle. Your windows will not protect your vehicle from getting jacked. Don't trust parking in an exclusive area, because you increase your risk at getting robbed. 

Plan to drive through Houston, Texas? Be be too passive thinking you are immune to crime. It is quite possible that relocating New Orleans residents to Houston increased the crime rate. Nonetheless, Houston is a crime-ridden city with a Houston police force that are slow to engage. 

If Houston police were fighter planes in aerial combat, they would probably engage last - once the action is over.  Law enforcement officers make excuses. Houston businesses in rich areas suggest any person can get robbed at any time. do we believe that robbers break out windows in front of people? They rush to steal everything valuable in a vehicle, even your registration and insurance information. 

Houston is not a safe city to visit. Businesses and the Houston police don't take accountability to resolve crime cases. Their common excuse is that more serious crimes are in higher demand. Why would you want to visit Houston when the police department are uncaring of your loss? 

Houston is a crime-infested city. You have a greater chance at getting robbed in the most exclusive areas. Don't let your guard down thinking that security will deter crime. If you visit Houston, keep a close eye on your vehicle, keep your wallet in your front pocket, and hide your jewelry. Houston criminals will rob you blind. They could care less if they ruin your life. 

In this robbery case at the original Carrabba's new parking structure, our lives took a turn for the worst. Robbers broke the window while on video surveillance, taking everything we possibly own. Our sensitive documents are now in the hands of thieves. What will happen next? Will we have an identity theft encounter?

Don't trust rich Houston areas. Keep alert. Criminals hang out in rich areas to scope out their next heist job. If you lack the financial resources to withstand a loss, then do yourself a big favor to avoid Houston altogether. It is not worth visiting a city such as Houston, especially since the Houston  police department refuse to investigate a case with good evidence. 

The Houston police haven't followed-up with the victims yet. They never return messages and seem to react slow on the phone. Normally, you have to repeat things several times to get help. If we avoided a rich Houston area, we would be not be struggling right now. 

It is unfortunate, as we planned to visit New Orleans a few months prior to the robbery. Houston ruined our two week road trip. The loss impacted our lifestyle. We can't recover from losing possessions and intellectual property. Avoid rich Houston areas to decrease your chance at getting robbed. Robbers will break your window out in daylight hours. A business will refuse to review the video surveillance to identify the criminals. 

Karma is watching. These criminals will have to answer to higher authority. We will never give up until we find answers. Houston is a disaster.     

  

Never stop in Houston to dine while traveling: Travel tip

Houston, Texas is not a safe place to visit while on your travels. Criminals and thieves target rich communities in Houston, especially restaurants that have poor security. Out-of-state license license plates are flashy to criminals. Never stop in Houston to dine while traveling.

Road trip travelers search for the best places to visit. They need to be aware that out-of-state license plates entice criminals. Customers with Texas license plates are unlikely to carry many personal possessions inside their interior and trunk. However, travelers are sitting dunks in Houston.

It is apparent the Houston police department refuse to engage in theft and robbery cases. They are more interested in making excuses and ignoring a victim rather than investigate a case. The common excuse is that Houston police have too many serious crimes to solve, while theft and robbery victims must wait in a long line.

Houston residents make up excuses. San Jose and Santa Clara police deal with just as many violent crimes. They still have time to pursue leads with little evidence. In result, the San Jose and Santa Clara police apprehend many criminals involved in theft cases.

We have a Houston police department that never returns any calls. They take 5 weeks to assign an officer to the case. This officer hasn't returned a call in two weeks. 4 weeks ago the Houston police were given a valuable lead to request vital information. Do you think Houston police care about travelers? Their action speak volumes of their inability to solve an easy case.

The Houston police have video surveillance filming the robbers. They were given a valuable lead to request vital information. 7 weeks later, no Houston police officer, detective, and any member of the department have shown any effort to find the criminals.

If you are planning a road trip along I-10, you should avoid Houston, Texas. Everywhere there seem to make excuses concerning crime. No wonder there continues to be crime in Houston, because the police department are not interested with pursuing robbers and thieves. Why should a traveler visit Houston with that type of treatment? God forbid you get robbed too.

Plan to travel to Houston, Texas? Houston is ranked as the top crime city in Texas. You'd think travelers would get robbed in San Antonio. However, hotel and store security in San Antonio is adequate enough to protect patrons. Don't get fooled with Houston skyscrapers and their sporting teams.

Houston is an unsafe city. If robbers don't care to bash a driver window out to steal everything, what is going to stop them to commit a violent crime against you. Apparently, the Houston police are too busy with major cases to follow-up with a case involving $10,000 worth of personal belongings and more than $50-100+K in intellectual property.

Never stop in Houston while traveling. It only takes an hour to get robbed. You will lose everything. Houston police and businesses will make excuses to suggest crime is common across America. In our entire life, we have never seen a window busted out in broad daylight.

These events happen when there is inadequate security, a business refuses to review a video surveillance tape, a Houston police department ignores the crime, and an insurance company suggests you are not entitled to security services - it is only a privilege to be protected. Is there a rule to have poor security?

No matter what you hear, just know that Houston police will never follow-up on a major theft case. They don't care about outside travelers. Carrabba's attempted to minimize the situation, but the truth is that their 3-hour security gap, inadequate surveillance and lack of compassion increased the risk to get robbed.

You will hear many excuses that people get robbed everything, including Wal-Mart and Target. I want to see the evidence, because as long as I shopped at these store no person has busted out a window in broad daylight and ransacked a car to take heavy items. The thieves had the nerve to take the registration and car insurance documents to create additional problems.

In result, the security officer working for Carrabba's interrogated us as if we were the criminals. We are travelers who dined at their restaurant. It was our first time dining there. We are the first to get robbed in their new parking structure. Are we supposed to accept mediocre treatment?

How about not being able to get a job because all your experience is stored in a stolen Apple laptop. You don't even have a Social Security card. Your U.S. Passport is stolen. It is a terrible event. We don't wish this treatment on anyone. After driving through 5 states with no window, having gotten robbed, fog and rain pouring into the car, unable to sleep due to not trusting any rest stops and hotels, we are told to accept getting robbed.

That is pathetic treatment. It is unsympathetic to ignore victims. Does anyone know how badly we felt that night. The Perfect Storm is not over yet. Our personal information is out there somewhere. The Houston Police could care less whether the criminals continue to rob people. If they acted quick enough, maybe they could have busted a crime network. The robbery seems shady. It appears staged.

We want to watch the video feed. Who are these criminals? Are they connected? Future travelers and travelers need to be aware of Houston. The city has an extremely high crime rate. Only 3% of all American cities are safer than Houston. If you drive into the city with out-of-state license plates, beware that you will increase your risk in getting robbed.

Our advice is to never stop in Houston, Texas to dine. If you fly into Houston to visit family, then you are safer than driving a car with out-of-state plates. Your travel tip is to avoid sit-down restaurants while traveling into Houston. Beware of Houston. People will make you think crime occurs n every city. We traveled across the save path twice in seven years. Seven years ago, we avoided Houston.

Seven years later, we stopped at the original Carrabba's to have a later lunch. We got our window broken out and out valuable possessions stolen. No items were left out in the open. We suspect that more people are involved in the theft. This was not a professional job because the glass splattered all through the interior. Therefore, the criminals are obviously dangerous to take a high risk.

Why should the criminals worry when Carrabba's does not have security for a 3-hour gap? Maybe the officer that day harassed us because his made his rounds to find a window broken out and many personal belongings stolen. If Carrabba's hired on security full-time, this robbery would have never occurred.

How often do you hear of cases involving criminals breaking out windows and stealing heavy items and multiple things at will during daylight hours? We are not talking about items being placed out in the open. The back windows are tinted, and everything was hidden well. The inadequate security, 3-hour gap, Houston police not doing enough, and Houston having a high crime rate, especially in rick areas, are the main reason we got robbed. They had all the time in the world to make a loud bang and to disappear with so many items.  

Seven weeks later, the Houston police have never followed-up on the theft case. They assigned an officer to the robbery case a few weeks ago. However, he never returned a voice mail call in the past few weeks. We called and faxed many documents. Houston police failed to call once. They never called the company to retrieve valuable information 4 weeks ago. Avoid Houston! Have a safe trip!      

Houston Police Department

Houston Police Department never followed-up on a theft case. It's unfortunate visitors would be treated in such a negative way. One month ago, the Houston Police Department were contacted with information connecting one of the thieves or a buyer who purchased a stolen item.

One month later, the Houston police are ignoring the case. We suppose that $10,000 worth of personal belongings, sensitive documents, and many thousands worth of intellectual property are nothing to worry about. Can travelers and those relocating trust dining at any restaurant in Houston, Texas?

Travelers may get robbed in the process. Even though San Jose has over a million people, the police react quickly to resolve crime. Over 9 years ago, a thief took my wallet from my backpack while I was working in a Morgan Hill restaurant. The police worked vigorously to solve the case. In two weeks time, the San Jose and Santa Clara police apprehended the identify thief with far less information than what the Houston police have in their possession right now.

We don't fault the employees working in Carrabba's in Houston, Texas. This is an unfortunate case that spiraled out of control. We have the Houston police that make you feel unsafe. If you travel into Houston, please be extra cautious. Want to dine in a restaurant? Maybe it is a good idea to go through a drive-thru instead. You risk the chance in getting robbed. Out-of-state license plates are a crime magnet to attract attention.

The Carrabba's staff at the original restaurant are good people. Even so, the general manager shows compassion for his customers. The fact to the case is that my current hardship would have been minimized with adequate security. How can you distance away from a robbery? When you built a parking structure and have the video surveillance, you should at least feel somewhat safe.

However, the security officer harassed us. He kept asking who I was and to show him the proper papers to prove it. Moreover, the Carrabba's security officer kept referring to me as another resident living in Houston. Why would I have a Houston address? My California license plates are an indication that I don't live in Houston, Texas. We are the victims, not the criminals who were allowed to break a window in board daylight and remove everything while the surveillance videos filmed the robbery.

Ever since the incident on April 16, 2012, the corporate office and or any Carrabba's representative have contacted us regarding the issue. This first time event means that inadequate security enabled the robbers to do as they please.

If you park at a movie theater structure, the police officers are usually doing their jobs right. They will question why you are sitting in your car. You may get bothered, but at least they're performing their job thoroughly. In this robbery/theft incident, the robbers committed the crime in broad daylight hours. The security officer admitted that security is not on for three hours, a time that somehow got lucky to make.

The worst mistake we made is to visit the restaurant while traveling. We never planned to stop in Houston, Texas. We traveled across America. Every location hires on good security. If Carrabba's wants to make a new garage to serve their customers' needs, then they should show more responsibility to minimize the risk. It is impossible to eliminate crime altogether. The security officer must have noticed something to be drawn to the structure. He is quick to tell us that crime networks operate around the area to boost our spirits.

Adequate security could have minimized the crime. Should we believe the restaurant does everything in their power to protect their customers? Is security personnel performing their jobs right? Why not review the video surveillance? It has been over 6 weeks since the robbery. This video surveillance tape is not being utilized properly to apprehend the criminals. It appears the Houston police are not interested in the case.

Bad security, video surveillance and slow Houston police department have failed in all faucets. It is an unfortunate situation to lose everything because another entity is shifting the blame to the criminals. While the robbers cleaned out the car, Carrabba's so-called security team were on an extended break. The 3-hour window is the reason the robbers had plenty of time to pull out heavy bags, take registration and insurance information, and much more.

Maybe Carraba's is a good restaurant. The original Carrabba's restaurant has inadequate security and poor video surveillance. The security officer noted they spend thousands on security. Would you keep the security on to protect your customers and staff? Why have a 3-hour gap? A security guard shared the 3-hour gap with us. With how heavy the personal belongings were, the robbers had plenty of time to remove everything.

The robbers broke the window in broad daylight. Glass projected everywhere - backseat, middle console, on floor, inside door, and other places. It must have been a loud noise. They took their time to remove everything, even a 50 pound suitcase. Acura Integra cars have small backseat spaces. It is tough to remove items in a timely manner. I want to see the surveillance tape. The security officer alerted us that this tape would be reviewed the next day.

Over 6-weeks later and many phone calls, the Houston Police and Carabba's snoozed on the robbery case. Because of their inability react, the robbers are long gone with the stolen items. The manager noted they would cooperate to increase the likelihood that our possessions would be covered. Not so in this case. Almost 7 weeks have passed since the robbery. Besides me making repeated calls, I never received one call informing us or asking questions.

The Houston police are nothing compared to San Jose police. Their inability to pursue the case enabled the robbers to escape. Reviewing the video tape right away could have increased our chances in at least locating some of our items. There is an even great problem. If the thieves toss way important documents, a third party could use the information to create havoc.

Houston police never return any calls. They took a month to assign an officer on the case. Two weeks later, this officer never returned my message. A month later, the best lead went cold. Our dreams and goals are postponed. Houston destroyed our future. Adequate security would have reduced the probability to get robbed. When Carrabba's decided to build the parking structure, they probably never expected a guest to get robbed. Handling the case right would have showed empathy. In this robbery/theft case, we are just another number that feeds the crime rate. Sad, but true.

Houston police snoozed on the case to eliminate any hope. A perfect lead has gone cold. Another organization is waiting for Houston police to retrieve information connecting a criminal and or buyer to a stolen item. As shown in 6 weeks, we have to sit back and hope somebody chooses to react. Many people get robbed, but there is a reason to such scenarios. In this case, the security are given a longer break. 3-hour window gave the robbers plenty of time to acquire many great items and information.

Houston police never return calls, and fail to follow a lead. You can't trust they will properly react in an ethical manner to approach a case assigned to them. Two weeks ago, an officer got assigned to the case. Over two weeks later, this police officer never responded to a message. 4-weeks ago, Houston police could have requested an important name to advance the case. They never did. Robberies and thefts are no interest to Houston police.

The Houston Police Department ignored the criminals. They have access to a name and video surveillance tapes. Unfortunate situation.    

  

3 Weeks after Houston police receive excellent tip in a theft case Failing Grade

Houston police are as slow as turtles. Three weeks after receiving an excellent tip to locate the thieves possibly responsible in our robbery on April 16, 2012 at Carrabba's Italian Grill located on 3115 Kirby Drive, Houston, Texas, Houston police finally assigned an officer to the theft case.

I called the Houston police department several times to request a status update. It seems Houston police refuse to solve this robbery case. Carrabba's has already shown they don't care about a customer who got robbed on their property while their security were on an extended break.

Meanwhile, the Houston police are sitting on a lead that can help them locate the thieves. Neither the Houston police and the Carrabba's restaurant are doing enough. 6 weeks after robbery, Carrabba's and Houston police are failing to show integrity and responsibility.

The Carrabba's video surveillance show the robbers breaking out the window and stealing everything inside. We delivered an excellent tip to the Houston police department. It took Houston police 5 weeks to assign an officer to the robbery case. I called the officer assigned to the case, leaving a message he never returned after a week.

3 weeks after the Houston receive an excellent tip, they are sitting on a case with no interest in apprehending the criminals responsible for the robbery. We believe this robbery is too random, so there are more people likely involved in the case. In a past Identity Theft case in San Jose, the San Jose and Santa Clara police solved the case two weeks after the wallet theft resulted in a string of identity crimes.

However, 6 weeks after Houston police received the case, they haven't even called us back. We called many times to request information. As a result, the Houston police have show they are incapable of doing their job right. Houston police could bust these criminals with the video surveillance and the information lead.

Houston police, Houston as a city and the original Carrabba's Italian Grill on 3115 Kirby Drive, Houston, Texas receive failing grades. I'm disappointed with the entire process. Houston police will never return your calls. They took 5 weeks to assign an office to a theft case. 6 weeks after the robbery, Houston police lack interest in solving a theft case.

Houston police have personal belonging pictures. They have access to video surveillance. Moreover, Houston police have permission to request information from another company to connect the thieves to the robbery. If you visit Houston, Texas, you may get robbed too. Don't expect Houston police to show integrity, professionalism, and urgency in solving your case.

Houston police get a failing grade.  

Robbery timeline:

April 16, 2012 4-5pm: Robbery/theft at Carrabba's Italian Grill at 3115 Kirby Drive, Houston, Texas. Broken out driver's window and personal possessions and intellectual property stolen. Robbers caught on video surveillance breaking window and stealing possessions. Security is not hired on to work for 3-hours in the afternoon.

April 17, 2012: We call pawn shops in Houston area.

April 18, 2012: Pictures and inventory list faxed to Houston Police Department.

April 19, 2012: Robbery case number is created at Houston Police Department.

April 23-27, 2012: Called to follow-up with case, No information provided.

May 2, 2012: Houston Police are given excellent lead. All the police station needs to do is follow the exact steps to acquire information. Nothing done yet.

May 9, 2012: We call to follow-up again. Houston police never requested the information lead. They are refusing to engage in the case, especially when the evidence against the robbers can help them.

May 18, 2012: Over 4 weeks after the robbery at the original Carrabba's, Houston police assign an officer to the case. We leave message regarding the video surveillance and the tip on the officer's voice mail. He never returns our call.

May 23, 2012: We haven't received a call back from the officer. Houston police never pushed forward to investigate the robbery case.

We invested time searching eBay, Craig's List and calling pawn shops. Meanwhile, Houston police are sitting back doing nothing after 5 weeks. How can you solve a theft case with no action? San Jose and Santa Clara police solve my identity theft case in two weeks with far less information.

Houston police have a video surveillance tape, information to lead them to a robber and or buyer, and pictures of most possessions. I have no confidence in Houston police. Houston is one the most high crime cities in America. I will never visit Houston again.

This is how a U.S. Veteran is treated after robbers break out a window in broad daylight and steal everything. We were relocating to seek relief. Robbers steal away $10,000+ worth of personal belongings, thousands more in intellectual property, sensitive documents, U.S. Passport, and many memorable items and possessions. Never trust a city who is slow to engage in a slam dunk case. Houston, we have a problem with your disaster city.