| Burglar Targets Elderly |
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| Written by Jeff Garvas | |
| Wednesday, 20 July 2005 | |
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Commentary by Larry S. Moore, OFCC Senate District 10 Coordinator: WDTN-TV, Dayton, is reporting that a burglar is targeting elderly residents in the Riverside area. The City of Riverside adjoins the City of Dayton. The report is calling the burglar bold. The report quotes Riverside Police Sergeant David Crigler as saying the police are very concerned that one of the victims might see him and try to apprehend him. The report warns that the person is more than likely a drug addict and violence could occur. The Riverside Police are also asking for citizen help in catching the suspect. In the same story, the police express concerns that someone may try to apprehend the burglar and violence may occur but they also need help catching the burglar. Almost sounds like an oxymoron! This is but one more example of criminals targeting the elderly and unsuspecting. It is very sad that in some areas a homeowner may not be able to be in their yard or garden without their home being locked or perhaps also being armed. I am quite confused about what the police want a homeowner to do if they spot someone in their home. The unarmed homeowner certainly can't go inside the house to call police. Hopefully the homeowner will have a cell phone but how many people, especially the elderly, carry their cell phones while gardening, sitting on the porch or washing a car? Probably not many more than carry their concealed handgun. Will the call to 911 and the Riverside police response be fast enough to prevent violence? If the burglar sees the homeowner alarmed or calling police, the reaction could include violence. There is just no way to anticipate the reaction. Homeowners, not only in Riverside, but across Ohio need to be prepared for their self-defense in a variety of situations. It seems with the spread of drugs, and especially meth, the actions of criminals are getting more widespread. Are you relying on luck, 911 or are you a prepared homeowner? |