One of the things that I find most telling about the economy is how many homes have signposts in their yards that advertise that they use some kind of home security system to deter burglars. As more and more people are losing their jobs and falling off of the unemployment benefits roster, more and more people will be turning to desperate measures.

I can remember just a few years back no one in this neighborhood even locked their doors at night, or when leaving the house! People felt very safe around here. But I’ve been hearing recently that a few houses a couple of blocks away were broken into over the past couple of weeks, and just last night by neighbor told me that someone appears to have been in their house over last weekend when they went away to visit their relatives in Ohio.

They said that it does not look like anyone stole anything, but things were rearranged and food was eaten from their pantry and refrigerator. And beds had been slept in. I have to wonder if it was maybe some neighborhood kids that were just taking advantage of a temporarily vacant house to have some private romance time! I’m glad that nothing was stolen, but I’m sure that it would creep me out if I came home and found that someone had been in the house. Who knows what they might have gone through? How could I tell if a couple of pieces of jewelry were missing?

My hubby asked me to try and find a consumer reports article about what are the best security systems and services to use. I think he is concerned that someone might break into our house and steal some of his NASCAR collectibles! I guess he’s really serious about looking into a system!