A brazen theft from a South Langley home is a reminder of how important it is to be neighbourly.
This particular home belongs to an elderly woman who is now in a care home. While it didn’t contain a lot of valuable possessions, it was her home.
Those who broke in took a number of items — including a Second World War Royal Westminster Regiment uniform — and all but destroyed the home.
They stole furniture, an antique Bible, and anything they thought they could turn into money. They shut the power off and stole a large quantity of copper wire.
While the exact circumstances aren’t clear, a friend or family member was looking in on the property on occasion. The thieves clearly felt they had time to come in and do all that damage, and had no compunction about robbing an older person.
It’s a good reminder to older people to cultivate good relationships with their neighbours. A watchful neighbour can keep an eye on a property when people are away, or even when they are home. They can look out for warning signs of problems.
Good neighbours can literally be lifesavers on occasion.
While family members and friends can and often do look in on vacant properties and older people, if they don’t live nearby it is hard for them to react quickly when there is a problem.
Most Langley residents would fall into the category of “good neighbours.” While there are a few bad people among us, there aren’t that many of them, and they are not willing to stand up to intensive vigilance from the community.
Most people welcome the chance to be eyes and ears for their neighbours. Most would say it’s the least they can do, and hope that others will be as willing to help out when they get older.
Police encourage vigilance through programs like Block Watch, and these are important. But no formal program can replace neighbourliness.
Relationships with neighbours can make it much easier for people to stay in their homes longer. When they do have to move, if the home remains vacant for a time, neighbours can keep a close eye on things and will ease many of the worries that can crop up.
A good neighbour policy can be very worthwhile.
