Home security

A couple weeks ago a friend's home in a neighborhood that is considered "safe" and "good" got broken in. After reporting to the police, she found out they were the only house in the block that was victimized. It's both fortunate and unfortunate. The police officer said the burglars must have been watching them for some time and know exactly how their schedules were, because the burglar spent quite a bit of time in their home thoroughly searching each drawer.

When the friend asked why they were targeted, given their house was not any different from their neighbors, the officer said because they had couplets by their front door. This year's Lunar New Year was the end of January, and many burglars know by the couplets that this is likely to be an Asian family that celebrates Lunar New Year. Part of the celebration is to give children lucky money/red envelope, and therefore, the home usually has some cash and jewelries during this time of the year.

The moral of the story is not only to get a security alarm system, but also to know your neighbors and watch out for each other. The belongings might be replaced, but the feeling of being violated and the sense of insecurity will linger for a very long time.