Crime can happen anywhere and at any time. It doesn't have to be just any specific city or state, crime rates mean nothing as it happens everywhere, and usually when a person least expects it.
"We moved to this area because it was closer to the kids' school and from what we knew a very safe community", said Jessica Thorpe. "We are natives of Baltimore and we've been in this house for the last eight years with no problems and everyone around here is so good about watching out for everyone else."
Late at night it isn't easy for neighbors to be aware of any suspicious activities going on and last night while Jessica, her husband Tom and their twin boys were asleep someone tried to break into the house. It is not known if the would be burglar was aware that anyone was home but thankfully no one was hurt.
"Somewhere around three in the morning one of the boys came in to our room and said he heard strange noises. Tom and I were so tired and we thought he was hearing the wind but since he woke us up, we heard something coming from the front door. Tom got out of bed and turned on a light and that must have scared off whoever was out there."
After Mr. Thorpe was sure that no one was around the house anymore he opened the door to see various pieces of thin, long metal protruding from the lock.
"I knew from seeing that metal in the lock that someone was trying to pick the lock and get in to steal things" he said.
What Tom did next was to call a local Baltimore area locksmith that had twenty-four hour service.
"I have my wife and kids here and I am not about to put them in any danger. I know what locksmiths can do and for me there was no thought, just call a locksmith, have them come over and change the lock and keep my home and my family secure."
The locksmith arrived and assessed the situation. He laid out a plan that would allow him to change the lock on the front door and in the morning come back and set up new locks around the Thorpe's house.
Jessica was relieved. "He was a great guy, very calm and understanding. The kids were a bit startled from being up so late, but the locksmith was great. He even suggested some different types of locking products we can put on the windows so no one can open those, too!"
Neighbors plan to start a night watch for their community in Baltimore to stave off any impending criminal activity in the area.
"We've always been a real tight knit and safe place over here", said next door neighbor Bill Hutchins, "It's too bad that this happened and it's good that nothing worse occurred, but at least if we all work together we can probably convince any bad types out there not to come around anymore."