A few weeks ago, some wonderful person flung a brick through my car window while I was working with a client, and attempted to steal a tote bag on the back seat.  My car was parked in front of the client’s home and we both heard it when it happened. But, when we didn’t hear an alarm or any other sounds, we went right back to re-designing her game/TV room. Fortunately for me, someone witnessed the brick throwing incident and called me as well as the police. I can’t really describe the how I felt but let’s just say that I wasn’t happy.

There were a few things that made this a little easier to deal with, things you may want to consider if this ever happens to you.

· Valuables. There was nothing of high value left in the car.  My phone, GPS, purse, and work bag were all with me inside the client’s home.  This was a HUGE plus.

· Vehicle Docs. Once the police arrived, the first things they asked for were my license, registration, and insurance papers.  My license was inside my wallet (which was in my purse) and the other two docs were in a labeled plastic envelope inside the glove compartment. Thank goodness I didn’t have to go searching these items…though I have heard that the registration should be kept in your wallet or purse.  True?

· Knowledge. I know my car.  I know what’s inside and where I keep things.  When I was asked to look through the car and trunk to see if anything was missing, I could tell straight away if that was the case. Because I keep my valuables with me, the only other things were items that could be easily replaced (e.g., post-its, pens, invoices, garbage bags, face masks, etc.).

There was one particular thing that I normally do that, on the day in question, I didn’t do. Remember that tote bag I mentioned? I usually put everything that I’m not keeping with me in the trunk.  On this day, I left the bag on the back seat.  Inside were a few books, a container of vitamins, my iPhone ear buds, and some pens…but if I hadn’t left the bag in there, my brick experience would not have happened.

Out of this negative experience, there were some positives…

As it turned out, the brick-thrower realized that there wasn’t much in the bag and dropped it.  So, I have my tote bag back, though it repulses me that someone’s grubby hands were all over it.

…after riding around with a garbage bag for a window (my client taped it on while I was talking with the insurance company…), I was happy to have my window replaced in just three days…

…there was an outpouring of concern from several friends…so many people checked in on me…did I mention how helpful my client was? After taping up my window, she put my phone & GPS chargers in the glove compartment…

The biggest positive:  NO ONE GOT HURT.  This was the best possible outcome.

…though I would recommend that anyone in this situation have some tissues handy…for the unexpected tears that come when it’s all over.