Linda Hall: Lockdown irks when heat is on

Linda Hall is the assistant editor at Hawke's Bay Today.

Hey, all you reprobates out there, an open window or unlocked door is not an invitation to help yourself.

Go get a job and buy your own stuff!

It's because of people like you that I have formed a new habit. I don't like it and I try not to do it but lately I just can't stop myself.

I have to lock my back door during the day whenever I'm home alone.

It's a habit that has crept up on me. It wasn't until this past week when it's been so warm that I have noticed what a damn nuisance this habit is.

It's been hot and I like to have the door and windows open. It's a healthy thing to do for yourself and your home.

However, I just feel really uneasy about leaving the door unlocked, let alone open.

We live in a nice neighbourhood but that doesn't mean a thing. It's not the neighbours who are the problem.

It's the lazy, degenerates out there who think nothing of helping themselves to other people's property.

They are not silly, these people. They don't burgle and steal randomly. They do their homework. They watch houses, they know when people come and go, and they plan their hits.

I had the pleasure of witnessing some thieves getting busted a few weeks back.

We were just pulling out of the driveway (in the middle of the day, I might add) when we heard yelling across the road.

A car came hurtling down the driveway hitting the side of the house. A woman was walking across the lawn and the occupants of the car where yelling at her.

I was afraid for a moment they were going to hit her. She yelled back and they roared off down the road.

The woman walked back down the driveway beside the house to the house behind and we followed to see if she was okay.

Her husband met us outside (she was on the phone to the police) and it turned out she knew the neighbours in the front were out and when she heard a noise, looked over the fence to see people trying to get into the house.

She yelled at them and then went over to the house. Very brave of her. She saved the owners of the house from a hell of a lot of stress.

I know what it's like to be burgled. About six years ago just before Christmas I was at work when a lady from the National Bank called me.

I have had an account there for years and years for which I had a chequebook.

I hadn't used the chequebook for years. The woman said there was a young man in the bank who had a cheque signed by me. He said I had bought something off him.

Before she hung up he had gone. My heart was thumping. I knew the only way he could have got that cheque was if he had been in my house.

I went home and sure enough they had ransacked our bedroom and been through all the wardrobes and cupboards throughout the house.

The thought that someone had been through all our personal stuff was horrendous.

They didn't take televisions or computers. I wish they had, they are easily replaced.

They took my jewellery, cameras, Christmas presents including vouchers and toiletries - all of it stuff that can never be replaced.

It was horrible.

Lucky for us we have wonderful friends and family who rallied around.

My colleagues at Hawke's Bay Today were fantastic.

Someone organised a whip-round and I felt humbled by their generosity.

So people, if you don't know your neighbours go and knock on their door and introduce yourself.

Start a neighbourhood watch group.

Tell your friends, family and neighbours when you are going to be away.

Do everything in your power to ensure your home is secure.

Maybe, just maybe, if we make life difficult for the thieves they might have to get a job.

Then I won't need to lock my door.

Linda Hall is assistant editor at Hawke's Bay Today.