OP here. Thanks everyone. I'll answer a few questions

1. Can't do a restraining order as there is no real proof. Just the things that have been stolen are more of a sentimental value vs monetary. For instance a non expensive looking necklace her mother had given her as a child was stolen, and yet her grandmother's expensive bracelet was not and they were in the same box. Things like that. And since she just had a falling out with this person, it would make sense.

2. Jimmied the door open first time, smashed in window the second time

3. I sent her the link and after talking to her parents, she's going to be looking for another apartment. She didn't have the money to pay the penalty plus the costs incurred when getting a new apartment, plus what she thought might be money for a lawyer. Her parents agreed to help her out given the circumstances, so she's looking for a new place

4. She is getting copies of the police reports as well as printing out the emails between her and the landlord, hoping that if he goes to court, that will be enough to get the case dismissed

5. I'll mention the baby monitor/nanny cam idea in the meantime. In the last week she has been giving friends some of her stuff to hold onto in case she's broken into again.

Your friend can put up a baby monitor type camera that you can log into a website and see what's going on from your iPhone. I'm not sure what its called, but I know lots of people who use it.

Sadly, the landlord is a jerk. Lots of 'em are. The bigger issue is having an ex- break into your place. If the ex- is taking back his/her stuff, that is one thing. If it is fully stalker-ish, well, that is what police are for. Your issue is with the ex. The way the landlord is, and is reacting, are separate and smaller issues.

Since she's in DC, direct your friend here for free legal advice:

http://www.dcbar.org/for_the_public/programs_and_services/landlord_tenant.cfm

DC is also quite tenant friendly; I bet if the LL sues for the penalty money and she presents evidence that the repeated break ins were not her fault (i.e., she didn't leave a window open, give the robber her keys, etc) she'll win.

If it is an ex-friend, then she should seriously consider moving (the landlord's threat is empty).

Anonymous wrote:Does the "ex-friend" have a key? How is this person getting in? Would you be worried that the person would try to break into the new place? The "ex-friend" sounds really crazy. Actual breaking and entering is really scary.

Maybe a restraining order is on the horizon for your friend to issue to their so-called friend?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would you ask a bunch of parents for advice about this situation? How weird.

You realize parents are, usually, adults that have experience in other areas of life besides just raising children, right?

And most of them are lawyers.

Does the "ex-friend" have a key? How is this person getting in? Would you be worried that the person would try to break into the new place? The "ex-friend" sounds really crazy. Actual breaking and entering is really scary.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would you ask a bunch of parents for advice about this situation? How weird.

You realize parents are, usually, adults that have experience in other areas of life besides just raising children, right?

Of course, but it just seems really weird that your first thought while talking to a friend who had been burgled twice was "Gee, I wonder what DCUM has to say about this!?!"

It seems really weird that you took the time out your schedule to insult someone for asking advice from a group of adults conversing in a real estate forum

This. And I doubt that snippy-for-no-reason poster actually has any kids, which makes her the weird one. On the other hand, she may actually be a parent. In which case, I feel really sorry for her kids!

So she is being robbed and the landlord is a jerk? Yet, she wants to stay?

Anonymous wrote:Op, there are all kinds of wireless security systems and camera's. I would personally move as they are very expensive and will cost the same as a move. I'd tell the landlord to sue me as two break-ins and a refusal to beef up security is not reasonable.

13:23 here. While it is true that the start-up kit may costs a bit with monthly fee, but considering it is an apartment, she won't need that big of a system. 1-2 sensors to cover the window(s,) and 1 motion detector in the main living area, that should be enough and cost less than $300. I don't see the need for camera unless she wants to provide evidence to the police, but from OP, the police does not seem to care.

OP, I'd suggest your friend to read the contract again, since the landlord's threat to sue may just be an empty threat, if it is not in writing, it probably won't hold up in court. The cheapest choice is to buy fake security stickers for all the windows. Renter insurance might also be ideal, but I suspect the insurance company will cancel the policy if nothing is done to prevent further break-in.

Good luck to your friend.

oh...she thinks it is a friend who is doing it...
no-- I'm moving...if her friend is that crazy....it's worth my personal safety to eat beans and weenies for a couple of months...don't play with crazy people and anyone who would break into your place and steal your s*** because you fell out with them is...well .. CRAZY!