Welcome To The Real World

The news about crime in our town has not been good.  Livingston is experiencing a rash of car break-ins. There was a carjacking at the mall. There have been burglaries.  These are terrible things involving violations of property, space, and I’m sure they’ve been traumatic for the victims. 

I don’t want to downplay the seriousness, the rottenness, the unfairness of any of these occurrences.  But part of me just can’t help thinking that it’s time for some of us to wake up to the real world. 

Where’s the vigilance we’re supposed to be using, especially after 9/11?  We don’t live in the middle of a corn field – we live minutes from Newark and New York City.  Crime is EVERYWHERE and being aware of where we are and what we’re doing is crucial.  When we’re outside our homes, and maybe even inside, we need to stop the multi-tasking, turn off the electronic devices, and slow down. 

Crime has always been with us.  My mother used to tell stories of riding the New York subways back in the 1950s.  She had to have her wits about her and even carried a hat pin attached to her purse in case of “gropers.”  She held her bag close, learned not to open her doors to anyone, and when she was out, was always thinking of an escape route in case of attack.  The world is no different; I just think we have more distractions.

The poor soul who was carjacked, I’m sure, never suspected that the guy knocking on her window would take her car.  She was probably just trying to be helpful.  But unfortunately, you can’t trust anyone.

As for the automobile break-ins, some of the cars broken into were unlocked.  As one person commented on Patch, “What does it take to lock your car? Push a button, that's all. What does it take to understand that you actually NEED to lock your car?”

The police have pointed out that while the thief may just intend to steal the car, he or she is also stealing personal items and car accessories like portable GPS units.  OK, so don’t make it easy or attractive for a potential thief; lock your doors, put personal items and electronics away, and take your car keys with you. 

As for our homes, there were plenty of tips for security our dwellings offered at the recent .  For a refresher course, log onto the National Neighborhood Watch Program’s website here.

And don’t underestimate the power of your neighbors.  I’m always reminded of the character, Mrs. Kravitz, on the old television show “Bewitched.”  Mrs. Kravitz, the classic nosey neighbor, knew everything going on in her neighborhood.  And while I wouldn’t want my blockmates to know all that’s going on in my house, I don’t mind if they glance at it from time-to-time.  I look at theirs.  And I have told them when I’ve seen something that doesn’t seem right.  Do I look like a fool sometimes?  Sure, but hopefully I’ve done a bit of good, too.

Livingston is a community.  We have an excellent police department, but they can’t do it alone.  We, as citizens, need to use common sense and be vigilant as we go about our lives.  It’s hard, especially with so many things pulling us in different directions, but we can’t sleepwalk through our days.  We live in a real world.  We need to wake up.