How Vandalism or Burglary Affects so Many

Last night my RV was vandalized. The damage was significant, probably enough to warrant a felony charge to those responsible. Likely, across the country, thousands of people were experiencing the same emotions as I, upon finding their property had fallen victim to a similar fate.

Vandalism or burglary are crimes that, over a lifetime, almost everyone will fall victim to. This isn't my first experience and I can only hope it will be the last incident.

In my case it was juveniles in search of electronics that could be easily sold. Possibly to obtain money for drugs, though that is only an assumption on my part.

Two young males on bicycles climbed the chain link fence that surrounds the locked storage lot. They went over the double rows of barbed wire that topped the fence and by climbing the rear mounted ladder gained access to the roof of my motor home.

Quickly they kicked in the roof vent over the bedroom area hoping to enter through the small opening. Once realizing that path was fruitless they kicked in the rear picture window, shattering the glass into small pebbles that scattered far and wide.

Once inside they hoped to find such items as digital TV's, VCR's, or DVDs. It must have been a sad disappointment when they found our motor home had none of the above. The only electronic device on board was the dash mounted AM/FM radio that comes standard in almost every vehicle on the road.

Not to go away empty handed they destroyed the dash panel, probably using their feet. Ripping the inexpensive simple radio out by the roots, there is now a gaping hole that will never be returned to factory condition again.

Mine is a 10 year old model meaning that replacement dash panels are no longer available. I will have to fashion a reasonable replacement on my own.

Fortunately the manager of the mobile home community happened upon the scene and was able to identify the two young men to the police. Charges will be pressed, though restitution is unlikely.

For the sake of a radio worth maybe $5 on the black market, I'm stuck with over $1,000 in damages that for the most part will come out of my pocket. Insurance deductibles and depreciation will limit my recovery to pennies on the dollar.

How does this episode affect not only those involved, but the community in general? For my part there is sadness. I feel violated, my space has been intruded and my possessions have been damaged. I'm not a rich man, but yes I will be able to make repairs without suffering severe financial repercussions.

I take care of my belongings and take responsibility for my actions. When someone else fails to live similar to my standards I think less of them for it. Not knowing these particular juveniles personally, it's very easy to think poorly of all young people. I know it's the wrong perception, but with such acts of destruction taking place daily across the city, a few bad apples will ruin the whole basket, especially when it comes to public opinion.

The neighborhood on a whole is now aware that one of their own has fallen victim to a needless crime of opportunity. Yes we have a neighborhood watch organization, yes we are aware of drug problems in our end of the city, and yes we know that gang activity is on the rise. We will become more vigilant as we try to keep our community safe.

As for the two who chose to ignore the rights of others, they now will go to juvenile court. At the least their activities will be more closely monitored. I don't know if they've had previous encounters with the legal system, but this is a bad start in their growth to adulthood. It can be a rapid downward spiral that leads to nowhere good.

My only hope is they realize the error of their ways and take time to reflect on how their actions have affected so many. Call me the eternal optimist, but I hope they can turn their lives around before it's too late.