A KINDLE, MACBOOK, TELEVISIONS, EVEN A PERSONALMEMENTO FROM

9/11 — ALL STOLEN.

James Hime is an entrepreneur and practiced tax law for 25 years. He is also a novelist who just released his latest novel, JWhere Armadillos Go to DieM.Along with being a writer, he is an avid reader, and his Kindle is an easy way to read on the move because the device allows him to download books electronically.

JItRs like having your own personal library,M he says.

Recently, Hime was away on his business, so the high-tech reading device accompanied him. However, his brother-in-law, who also owns a Kindle, was house-sitting HimeRs Preston Hollow North home when it was burglarized V and that Kindle was stolen, along with several other items.

The Crime: Burglary

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 5

Time: Between 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Location: 6400 block of Vanderbilt

JMy brother-in-law came home and saw the back door kicked in,M he says. JWe think he walked in on [the burglars]. We believe they were upstairs when he went out to call the police.M

Hime believes the burglars escaped out the back door. His brother-in-law had his own Kindle and Macbook stolen, along with TVs and other electronics in the house. The Macbook contained music, photos and work-related files.

JThat was one of the biggest losses,M he says of his brother-in-lawRs laptop.

There was another item stolen that was very dear toHimeRs heart: In 2001, he was in New York City on business, and was trapped in the World Trade Center on the 35th floor during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was able to escape through the emergency exits, and carried with him a security access card he had on hand that day. The card was stamped with the date of the national tragedy, and he kept the card in a cuff link box in his bedroom.

JI didnRt care about the cuff links. Everything else could be replaced, but IRll never get that back,M he says.

More than anything, however, Hime is thankful that his brother-in-law wasnRt harmed. ThatRs probably because he played it smart, says Dallas Police Lt. Barry Payne of the North Central Patrol Division.

JThe number one tip for someone who interrupts a burglary is to get somewhere safe and call 911,M he says. JDo not confront the burglar or put yourself at risk to protect property.M

If they see suspects fleeing the scene, they should make their best description of the person and vehicle, and try to get a license number.

JWe do not advocate individuals chasing criminals and putting themselves at risk. The safest course is for the citizen to report what they see but not get involved with trying to capture criminals.M

–SEAN CHAFFIN