Recently, crime in my Virginia Highlands / Morningside / Midtown neighborhood went from occasional to rampant and out of control. I have been trying to find resources that might point me in the right direction to both protect myself and pro actively do something about it. No one seams to be paying enough attention or taking action. My plan is to start at home ( lights, cameras and a gun, unfortunately ) and then involve myself in the community to try to light a fire.
In the last few months, my home has been violated with theft every three weeks. I even set a cell phone alarm to remind me to be extra cautious every three weeks. Unfortunately, the extra awareness has been useless as we've still been victimized. The problem has spread beyond my neighborhood to my wife's place of employment. Emory just sent notice to its employees and students that thefts have recently sky-rocketed both in classrooms and hospitals, including Operating Rooms. Laptops, cell phones, and anything easily hocked for cash appear to be the prime target.
In the three police reports I've filed, the officers indicated that they have seen massive increase in criminal activity in Atlanta since Katrina and the influx of "New Orleans Refugees". New Orleans was one of the most dangerous cities in the country before that storm, we bussed quite a few of those people here to Atlanta. I can't imagine how bad it must be in Houston! The officers concede that theft, rape, car-jacking and home burglary had recently spiked. They did not elaborate on what is being done in response.
A year ago, I shrugged off an invitation to join the Morningside Security Patrol Membership. It wasn't that I didn't value such an organization or service, its that the cost of the membership was outside my means. Even though that hasn't changed, I will be paying the dues. The police department can't be expected to shoulder all of the burden. An on-duty police officer is obligated to deal with lesser issues when they are required: car accidents, traffic patrol, etc. An off duty cop can sit in our neighborhood and focus on the problem. That's what I want. I want someone trained with a firearm who can stop a criminal safely to be completely dedicated to my neighborhood. In fact, a few would be even better. I will also try to offer support in any way I can. I hope the organization will utilize my technical skills and that I can provide tools that will directly contribute to the cause but I am willing to scrub toilets if it will make a difference.
We've had three cell phones stolen from my wife's and my own car. My laptop was taken along with all its accessories and my new Hugo Boss sunglasses. Half a dozen shipments were stolen from our front porch. Total losses? ...about $4000. Since November 2005! Before that, not once. My neighbor has lived in her house for 25 years and she hasn't been robbed in about 20.
I've been procrastinating on purchasing the home security items that I can afford right now. More motion lights, a couple cameras and, yep, a 9 mm with a laser site. I can't actually afford it but I will buy it on credit an work out the details later. Of course, I will need a gun safe for that as well. My wife and I received professional training with firearms a couple weeks ago. We're both dead on shots and much more comfortable that we could, in an emergency, us a gun to stop a threat. Its not that I want to kill the thief or thieves who've invaded my life, though that is my primal emotion, it's the fear that they may lose restraint in desperation and enter my home. If my two year old son is put in any hint of danger, the causation must be removed, immediately and unquestionably. I pray that it never happens. I hope my family is not in personal danger from these horrible people. Hope, however, is bred of uncertainty. I must be certain that my family will be safe if we have time to react. Therefore, my wife and I have agreed to exercise our constitutional right to arm ourselves. ...and that makes me very sad.