For what it is worth... By Sarah Morrison Stephens Four men charged with burglary and theft of property are now behind bars, and hats off to all of the law enforcement and fire department personnel who took part in that today. Seriously. Maybe we can take a breath, and get a break from the recent residential burglaries. But only one. Please dont let your guard down just because these guys are in jail. For now. Who is to say that they arent part of a larger group? While that group may lay low for a few days, there are others just waiting to take their place. Take precautions, every day. Lock up your house, your cars. Do not leave anything in your cars of value overnight, or even in the daytime. It is just a matter of time before we write another story about a criminal element plaguing Millbrook and our surrounding area. Dont hide your head in the sand and think it cant happen to you. Get to know your neighbors on a first name basis. Check on each other. Be suspicious if you see a strange vehicle, take note of descriptions, try and get tag numbers. Most importantly, call the police department or sheriffs office if you are suspicious of anything. ANYTHING. Do not attempt to stop these people yourself. It is far better for you to be wrong, and call. Because if you are right, and didnt call because you didnt want to bother anyone, these criminals continue to get away and rob and thieve another day. Each of us as individuals have the ability to fight crime. We, as normal citizens just dont don the uniform, and gun, and badge and head out each day. Chief P.K. Johnson with the Millbrook PD told me several years ago something that has stuck with me. He said, Everybody in small towns say that everybody is nosy and knows what everyone is doing. I wish they were nosier, to be honest with you. I wish we got more calls for suspicious activity BEFORE we have a rash of crimes. Be observant, be proactive, be smart. Watch out for your neighbor. These are simple things that have the ability to change our neck of the woods. No department in the world can prevent all crime. It is just a sad fact that lowlife, scum-sucking wastes of oxygen and human skin are alive and well and already planning their next adventure. The holidays are coming, and every year I do the gratuitous article about how crime usually increases this time of year, and you shouldnt shop alone, be aware of your surroundings, etc. Consider this an early request to take care of yourself and your property. Until next time...
Posted on: Sat, 04 Oct 2014 01:56:54 +0000