Mike Chimes In
From Temperence, MI, Mike writes about yesterday's post:
"Charles,
That's is tough one and one that can't be compartmentalized in a case or backpack.
"What about setting up a blockwatch program? Ensuring all neighbors' outside lamps/lights are on? Would the PD be open to an extra patrol, at least for the short term?
"Maybe you should get a Rottweiler, or some dog that barks a lot.
—Mike"
First off, thanks for commenting.The neighborhood has "Neighborhood Watch" signs, but no one has ever asked me to patrol. We are all on an email list and I sent the news around. Looks like we have to set schedules where the person "on watch" is assigned an hour or so.
In colonial times, citizens were selected to patrol the community 
—it was considered a way to be "one of the boys." Think it will work 300 years later? I'm guessing they'll assign me the 3-6 a.m. watch.
As to your suggestions, we do keep our lights on and the streetlights don't have rotating times—they better not, considering how much I pay for property taxes! The cops are pretty good about patrols, since my neighborhood is close to a major boulevard with all the liquor stores and all-night donut shops. Breeding grounds for crime!
I think the dog thing is going to happen . I'm not really a pet guy, but it might make a difference. If I were a crook(yeah, yeah, knock it off ...) I'd be deterred by a dog more than an alarm system. Not to mention, my backyard is overrun with local cats. They just hang out and—well, you know—under the porch.
Yeah, dog for sure. Take care of one potential problem and one REAL problem! I'm sold, Mike! I did a search on line for "the right guard dog for me." After various criteria were entered, the Komondor was selected . And if it can't protect my home, I'm betting it can play keyboards .
