NEIGHBORHOOD BREAK-IN

NEIGHBORHOOD BREAK-IN

Document: "Tips to reduce the chance of burglary"

I share this only in the hope it might help others in the neighborhood.

I returned home this evening to discover that someone had gained entry to my home, 724 1/2 Gaston. I am missing even less (near as I can tell) than last time this happened, circa 12-15 months ago.

Gone are two small jars of coins, maybe some music CD's, and (of note to
neighbors) a fairly small, blue and black backpack-style bag mounted on pull along wheels. Entirely bypassed though were a number of pawnable items that easily would have fit into that bag ... and from plain site in areas the thief clearly was at.

It is difficult to say for sure how the person gained entry, but it seems that a key I'd hidden outside may have been used. The key was where I left it, but not *as* I left it. Exit was definitely via the back door, which was deadbolted when I left this morning, but only locked at the knob when I returned. Ironically, the individual deadbolted my front door before leaving, which is not as much of a habit for me as it should be, and what first tipped me off that someone had been inside.

Mostly, I relay the information so that if anyone sees an unfamiliar person in the neighborhood strolling along with luggage fitting the description above, he or she might consider keeping a close eye on that stranger and, perhaps, calling the police.

Sorry to be the bearer of unwelcome news. Hopefully this will be an isolated incident.

-Josh

Followup:

David, you might want to pass along that we live across the street from Josh, and that 1 night last week, our faded blue, double baby jogger, which had been chain-locked to a small, wooden railing on our front porch, was stolen. So, if anyone sees someone pushing Josh's loot in our baby jogger, that's our thief. Thanks.

- Mike Gordon