In the world of The Sims 2, neighborhoods like Strangetown and Pleasantview may seem quiet, but danger lurks beneath the surface. Sims can fall victim to theft and robberies, and even the fair Sims of Veronaville are not exempt from being robbed of their valuable items, such as computers, cars, and coffee machines.
Fortunately, there are ways to safeguard your Sims’ belongings from these unwelcome intruders. With some careful planning and quick reactions, your Sims might be able to save their possessions from the infamous burglars like Russ Bear, Nery Royce, or Jenna Boyle.
What Happens When a Burglar Shows Up?
The first indication of a burglar’s presence is usually a jarring musical cue, accompanied by a camera zooming in on the thief. Once they arrive, your Sims will be prevented from accessing Buy or Build Mode while the burglar is on the premises.
Once on site, the burglar will roam around, searching for items to steal with astonishing speed, leaving with your things crammed into their bags.
It’s worth noting that even if your Sims don’t see the burglary, the thief will show up in their relationships bar.
What Items Will Burglars Target?
Burglars are mostly after your Sims’ most valuable possessions. This can include high-priced home furnishings, outdoor items, and even vehicles. If there are costly items available, they are likely to ignore anything of lesser value.
To protect valuable outdoor items, it helps to place them inside fenced areas.
Where Can Burglars Appear?
Burglars can show up nearly anywhere, including houses, owned businesses, and some university housing. Regardless of where the robbery occurs, the gameplay mechanics remain the same, along with the methods to prevent them.
How to Prevent Burglaries
There are several strategies to thwart potential thieves. Being prepared ahead of time is crucial. Upon moving into a new lot, it’s wise to ensure your Sims have access to a phone, an alarm, or even a robot security system.
If the police apprehend a burglar, your Sims will receive a reward of 500 Simoleons, providing them an extra incentive to keep their belongings safe.
Burglar Alarms
Installing a SimSafety V Burglar Alarm in indoor spaces can deter burglars and automatically alert law enforcement. You can purchase this alarm in Buy Mode under the Small Electronics category. The cost is 250 Simoleons, which is a worthwhile investment compared to the potential losses from theft.
For effectiveness, alarms should be mounted on walls to cover entire rooms. If your house has multiple entrances, be sure to place alarms in each room connected to those doors. Keep in mind that these alarms only function indoors unless modified by cheats, so consider building a closed outdoor room for that purpose.
Car Alarms
If your Sims own a vehicle, you can install a car alarm for 250 Simoleons. Simply interact with the car using the option to get an alarm installed. This will take 60 in-game minutes and provides an effective way to protect your car—and even helicopters—from thieves.
Communication with Police
Even without an alarm, your Sims can still contact the police in the event of a burglary, but they must possess a phone beforehand. Purchasing a landline from the Electronics section of Buy Mode is straightforward, with prices ranging from 50 to 175 Simoleons. Alternatively, your Sim can buy a mobile phone from a kiosk at a community lot.
When a burglar is present, instruct your Sim to call the police using the Emergency interaction. However, be cautious not to make a false alarm, as doing so will result in a hefty fine of 500 Simoleons.
Using SentryBots
A proactive strategy for keeping burglars at bay involves creating and deploying SentryBots. Only Sims who have achieved Gold or Silver Robotics Skills Badges can build them. You can craft a SentryBot using the Non-Deadly Robot Crafting Station found in the Miscellaneous Hobbies section of Buy Mode. Once produced, the SentryBot will patrol the lot and scare off intruders with electrical shocks.
While this method requires a financial investment—2,200 Simoleons for the workbench and an additional 720 Simoleons for the SentryBot—it adds an entertaining dynamic to the game.
Overall, having multiple layers of protection against burglaries can enhance your Sims’ gameplay experience while keeping their belongings safe from theft.
