Do burglars tend to return in the short term?

[Davespecifico]

We were burgled last week while we were asleep. Both cars and most devices were stolen.
The next day, men most likely them, came into our garden but left when they saw us. A few days later, I found a large piece of masonry just inside the back gate. For the last 2 nights, cars have stopped outside our house at around 5 am.
Does anyone in the know, know if this is typical. We’re tightening security, but will they try again? Are they going to strike again when we get new cars?
Is it any use to tell the police about the masonry and the early morning cars?

It is known for them to wait until you have replaced everything and then hit u again.

I assume you have secured access so they can't get in the same way as before. Have car keys secured and in RFID protection boxes etc.

I would also get cctv and motion sensors/alerts. The Ring doorbell will notify you if there is motion at ur front door for example

You could mention it. I don't think it's typical unless the burglars think there's something they've missed though, unless, as you say, they're waiting until you replace your stuff. I'd be getting CCTV. And probably a dog or a monitored alarm system. And changing the locks.

They talk to each other . If they left things behind another crew come to get them. Install more security before you restock

Thanks. I hid the piece of masonry. Now wondering if I should have, if they’re going to hunt for it.

We have cats. Does anyone have alarms that aren’t set off by cats? Are they reliable?

Some alarm systems work with cats, but it depends how jumpy/climby they are. The alarms can be calibrated so they only detect movement 5 foot off the floor or higher, so if your cats stay below that they shouldn't trigger it. Alternatively, you can get threshold alarms that only trigger at the opening of a door. Or confine the cats to one room at night and install the alarms elsewhere.

We have an alarm with some of the sensors set to be “pet friendly”, our cat can’t go in certain rooms when the alarm is set, but we keep those doors closed and she can roam the rest of the house still. Really sorry this has happened to you. Our burglar didn’t return as he was caught in another house a few days later. Beef up your security as much as you can, get someone to come and look at what you can do to improve it - locks, external lighting, alarm, etc. Yes, I’d be inclined to tell the police about the cars and masonry.