Neighborhood Watch

If you ever decide to commit a crime, don't worry if I happen to be watching at the time. I have come to realize that I am quite possibly the lamest witness on the planet. A couple of mornings ago, I witnessed an attempted crime. I think it would even be accurate to say I interrupted and stopped the act. I am quite pleased with this. However, I am less happy with my ability to recall many specifics about the criminal.

It was early morning, just before 6am. I was just starting my first cup of coffee for the day and waiting for the newspaper. Some days, the paper is there when I first check at 5:45. Other days, it doesn't arrive until later. The paper wasn't there when I checked at 5:45 so I opened the blinds a little ways and settled down in an easy chair with a clear view of the driveway. I use a chair that's back in the corner of the room so the paper guy won't see me. I don't want to freak him out.

I waited and sipped my coffee. I used my ipod to check email and delete the daily deluge of semi-junk ones I get. Suddenly, a car pulled up quickly and parked in front of our house. My first thought was, "Hmm, the paper boy must have someone filling in for him. I don't recognize the car."

I watched as a guy got out of the car and headed around the rear of the vehicle. This was out of my line of sight and more in the direction of my neighbor's house. I began to wonder if maybe this was the paper boy (man really) for the other metro paper, which I believe my neighbor might prefer.

As I watched, the man came back into view. This time, he walked across the street to where I'd left our van parked. He began trying the doors. I realized that my neighbor had also left her car in the street and the guy had probably just been trying her doors.

I sprang into action and opened my front door with a flurry. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of confrontation and I was hoping he'd hear me and take off. He did. Startled, he looked up and gave me a quick little "Hi there" wave as he jumped in his car and sped off.

What kind of car was he driving? Not sure, I think it was brown or copper colored. It might have been a Pontiac. License plate? Yep, there was one on the car. I think it was in-state but I didn't catch much else. What was he wearing? I think he was wearing jeans and a white T-shirt.

I spent the day wrestling with the should haves. I should have crept out the front door and gotten a better look at the car and license plates. I should have grabbed the camera and shot a quick video of the perp in the act. I should have hopped in the car and followed the guy, possibly relaying information to the police along the way. Instead, I went back to my chair and continued waiting for the paper.