Kids can be so cruel -- at least when they kick in the doors of homes and rob people. At least three thieves were arrested for suspected involvement in a series of Southeast Austin burglaries.
One is 18-year-old Erik Rene Marciel. Another of the juveniles is linked to up to 11 burglaries. The third alleged robber is 10 years old, possibly related to an older suspect (a very logical deduction).
On Easter Sunday, Linda Narro's door was kicked down by the home invaders who absconded with thousands of dollars' worth of belongings.
More thieves in this string of crimes are believed to be out there, as police continue hunting them down. A child burglar gets probation as punishment. Hmmph. A convicted adult can get up to 10 years in prison.
It's too easy to blame lack of supervision on 10-year-old robbers. Lack of supervision usually amounts to playing kickball in the street at midnight, not invading peoples' homes and stealing.
- Hide valuables such as jewelry, preferably in a safe.
- Inform the police of your travel plans.
- Announce your vacation on social media--after you get back.
- Lock all entries to your home even if you're away for only a few minutes.
- While you're away on travel, arrange to have a trusted person park their car in your driveway.
- Leaving an outside light on constantly, tells burglars you may not be home. Use an automatic timer instead.
- If you're away for lengthy periods, arrange for someone to mow your lawn.
- Nobody should see you packing your car for a trip. Do so inside your garage with the door closed, or late at night in the dark.
- Put a vacation hold on newspapers and mail.
- Make sure your voicemail box has enough room so that it doesn't become "full" when you're away.