Another Break-In

It's been nearly 2 weeks since the break-in at my Mom's place and we are still unsettled. Who gives these people the right to enter someone else’s house as if it's their right? The feeling of uncertainty and insecurity in your own house and outside; remains with you for a long time afterwards. Luckily the intruder did not hurt my mother and fortunately for us he did not use the big knife he brought into her house (oh yes, he left that behind - the police have it now). There have been a few break-ins in the area and it has left the victims uneasy and restless in the one place that should be where they are totally at ease and relaxed.

It has been discovered that the intruder is a 17 year old youth with a mother who is adamant that her son would never do that. Unfortunately for the victims he cannot be charged because he is still a minor so obviously he will do it again. The residents in the area will have to sleep with one eye open. People talk and in a community where everybody knows everything it has leaked that this boy is the guilty one but what can you do?

Should the residents take the law into their own hands and deal with this youth as a warning to others who are aware and may be thinking that they too can follow in his footsteps? Parents today are too lenient with their kids - there is nothing in this world that a good beating won't cure - I'm just saying...