Editorial: Using common sense to prevent criminal activity

My editorial today will be focused on a simple topic that needs to be talked about; using common sense to prevent criminal activity.

I decided to choose this topic because of posts and messages issued by New Kent Sheriff’s Office. Recently, there have been a rash of thefts from vehicles in subdivisions in New Kent. Most of these thefts come from vehicles that are unlocked.

I understand there are several reasons people leave their vehicle unlock at their home because it’s supposed to be a safe haven. But honestly, I don’t see why people don’t lock their doors of their vehicle all the time. Staying at home doesn’t necessarily mean safety, no matter how much we wish and desire it. But for people to leave their vehicles unlocked with valuables inside, it only makes it more tempting for even a passerby to enter the vehicle and take it inside.

Now before a ruckus ensues, those people who take things are in the wrong. That’s a fact. But shouldn’t a person take precaution to prevent some of these things from happening? I may be missing something here, but I don’t see why people don’t lock their doors when they exit their vehicle and call it a night. Even at my home, when I exit my car, I lock my doors and set the alarm.

The same issue can be said about a lot of other things as well. From sheds at the exterior of the home to garages to even homes themselves, there are some people who firmly believe that locking it won’t be necessary. Some people have that mindset. I look at it similarly to people who choose not to wear seatbelts. You are supposed to wear seatbelts and they statistically prove to save lives, but there are other people who believe that they cause more hurt than harm. While it’s a matter of opinion if that is the truth, it’s still against the law not to wear a seat belt, just like it’s against the law to take property from an unlocked vehicle.

I may never understand that process, but I am encouraging people to lock their doors at night of their vehicle. You may live in a gated community, but there are people who will go inside vehicles if they even have that glimpse in time to do so. Locking the doors of your vehicle will save resources of law enforcement officers and will save you time by not having to file an insurance claim. When something precious is stolen form you, you feel vulnerable and that’s the last emotion anybody wants to have when it comes to that.

In conclusion, just be smart about your surroundings. Sometimes it’s better to be prepared and proactive to prevent a situation than to react and suffer the consequences caused by someone else.