It must be a sign of the economic times: four houses in our neighborhood have been broken into. The tactic for the robbers is to ring the doorbell. If no one's home, go around back, force open a door, and take everything inside.
A house down the street was completely ransacked between Xmas and New Years.
Our neighborhood shares two police cars in a ten-square mile area - hence, not enough cops.
About 25% of the residents work from home or work swing shift hours (home most of the day), so there is a Neighborhood Watch presence. Nannies, cleaning women and gardeners always seem to see nothing unusual.
Lately - the "supposed" robbers have become more brash. Now, they come to people's doors in the evening, stating as one neighbor put it, "I'm a new neighbor. I wonder if I could come in or you could come out at introduce yourself." All while a car with a driver idles out front.
While I was out during the afternoon today, someone came to our door. My wife did not answer. She told me a pickup truck was idling in front of our house.
Our councilwoman, so far, has been ineffective toward any of this.
Police helicopters buzz our rooftops almost nightly, search light on.
A few of the neighbors are armed, but who knows what their skills are, and whether it'd make a difference.
My idea: erect a sign on the corner:
"This Street Is Lethally Armed." Maybe that would offset some of what is going on. I dunno. It sucks when you can't feel safe in your own neighborhood.
We have a dog, but really, what can a Shih-Tzu-Chihuahua do other than bark irritably?
Fuvckin' A, on top of all the other crap going on in life: now this.
Other than the usual lock windows, doors and turn on the alarm, any thoughts or suggestions?