While watching TV last night, I realized that several emergency vehicles had driven up to my neighbors yard. Still in pajamas, I ran out the door to see three firetrucks and about a dozen policecars in the driveway. It was very dark (our houses sit about 200 feet from the road) and I could not see the smoke, but soon it was pouring from the house, out the chimney and flames shooting from the bedroom windows. You can imagine my extreme alarm. However, my neighbor was out of town and the house unoccupied. The fire was eventually extinguished and I calmed down enough to go to bed, only to be summoned out of bed by the doorbell. The policeman informed me that it had not only been a fire, but a break-in, a robbery and arson. He said they suspected some individuals who had done work on her house. Turns out they had done work in the room where her jewelry had been stolen and she had mentioned to one of them that she would be out of town. She also did not set her home security system. Now, before you jump on her, she is an elderly person who is sweet and trusting. Folks, do not trust people who come in and work in your homes. Watch carefully what you say and what they see. Get a fireproof safe for your valuables. Use your home security system and always let your neighbors know when you are going to be gone. I think we are going to have to go even further. This used to be a safe neighborhood, but now I don't think there is a safe neighborhood in this town. And please say a prayer for my badly shaken neighbor.
