The Way It's Supposed To Work

This blog's previous post about the mugging of Barbara Benner, generated many informative and thoughtful comments. If you read the story but didn't take the time to cruise those comments, you're missing some very intelligent dialog. I regret that my workload kept me from participating in the discussion.

I do want to share with you an update that came to me tonight through the same neighborhood network that told me about the incident in the first place. Please note that I believe this information to be accurate and the source reliable, however the following has not been vetted:

This portion of the post has been removed, and other portions of the post have been edited, at the request of the Allentown Police Department.


The Benner mugging is a perfect example of why I often mention the importance of community crime watch groups. These organizations raise awareness of what to look for in your neighborhood and how to handle a situation when you encounter it. In fact, next week's West Watch meeting is going to feature Captain Stephens talking about how to react in case of a home invasion like the one that happened two weeks ago on N. 30th St. You don't have to be a member of West Watch to attend...everyone is welcome.

There is another valuable lessons in this story...don't flash your cash or your credit cards. Keep them discreetly in your purse or pocket and pull out only what you need. Every law enforcement officer I speak to on a regular basis is warning about the effects this economy is going to have on crime. It's no longer only the people needing to support their drug habit who are on the prowl for victims, it's starting to include people who are getting desperate to pay the bills.

So the bottom line is: Keep your eyes and ears open, and report ANY suspicious activity or person to your local police.