I Was Robbed!!

Last Thursday morning, as I went to get in my car, I noticed some trash in the street.  Upon investigation, I realized it was crushed CD cases that used to be in my car!  (They were perfectly good CD's when they were in my car)  Dealing with the sinking feeling in my stomach, I checked my car and realized the door was unlocked.  Normally, I am really diligent about locking my car doors; I even lock them when I run into the 7/11.  However, the night before, I had gotten home late and had a friend in the car with me, which apparently knocked me out of my normal routine. (see what old age will do to you?)  I looked through the car and found that the CD's and my owner’s manual (with the registration in the booklet) was missing.  I called the police and swept up the street.

Officer Taylor from the PCS arrived and wrote up a report. He asked me if I was willing to prosecute if they found the thieves and they were 15 or 16 years old.  I didn’t hesitate – “Absolutely!!”.  He responded that at least 75% of people do not want to prosecute if the perpetrators are kids.  I was shocked!!!  Are you shocked?  If they weren’t prosecuted and held accountable for their actions, they would keep doing this! 

So, this is what I wanted to share about this experience:

1.  If you have teenagers, please discuss this sort of behavior and the ramifications. Not only the legal part, but the human part.  It feels terrible to be robbed for all the obvious reasons.  I’m sure you think your teenagers would never do this, but someone’s did!

2.  If you see any kids with socks on their hands, or kids walking around late at night, call the police (Do not confront them yourself!!).  Of course it’s not illegal to wear socks on your hands or walk around late at night, but it is suspicious behavior, and it might prevent a crime from occuring.  These kids will wear socks on their hands (to hide fingerprints); and they appear to be wandering down a street when they are checking car doors to see if they are locked.  They steal things can be easily pawned. 

3.  Even if very little was stolen, make a police report.  The information is helpful.

4.  CONSIDER BEING WILLING TO PROSECUTE REGARDLESSS OF THE AGE OF THE THIEF. Stealing is against the law, and the sooner  these punks learn this, hopefully the less they will steal.  Hopefully they will stop stealing if they are caught and prosecuted.  They start out stealing from open cars, and can easily progress to breaking into homes and businesses.  

5.  Don’t forget to lock your doors.  Even in a sweet, Mayberryesque place like Safety Harbor, this sort of thing happens all of the time.