I saw this in the news today and thought it important enough to post.   There is a crew of daytime burglars targeting Orange County, New York to Sussex, New Jersey to Pike County, Pennsylvania in a channel across 3 states.   They are kicking open doors while the residents are at work.  They are stealing whatever can be grabbed quickly; cash, jewelry, TV's, laptops, electronics and other valuables.  Four burglaries have occurred in less than two weeks in my immediate area of Greenville, Minisink and Wawayanda.   The police and FBI also believe they may be knocking on the doors to see if anyone is home before they kick them in.  They may also be pretending to look for a particular person if someone happens along.

PROTECT YOURSELF!

1.  Always lock all your doors and windows before you leave your residence.
2.  If you have a security system make sure you arm it before you leave.
3.  Remove all of your valuables from where they might be seen through a window.      (ie:  laptops etc....)
4.  Keep dogs inside whenever possible to discourage entry.  
5.  Keep all of your bushes trimmed low around windows and doors so they cannot      hide anyone trying to get in.  
6.  Have motion sensor lights installed outside so that if someone approaches the
     house a light will go on alerting you and possibly deterring them.
7.  Consider timers for your indoor lights that are on a schedule for
     all different times and rooms.  

This is usually the worst and heaviest time of year for break-ins and with the economy the way it is this year could be especially rough.  Take the time to protect your biggest investment!

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Another great joke received in my email inbox!

A guy is driving around the back woods of Montana and he sees a sign in front of a broken down shanty-style house: 'Talking Dog For Sale ' He rings the bell and the owner appears and tells him the dog is in the backyard.

The guy goes into the backyard and sees a nice looking Labrador retriever sitting there.


'You talk?' he asks.


'Yep,' the Lab replies.

After the guy recovers from the shock of hearing a dog talk, he says 'So, what's your story?'

The Lab looks up and says, 'Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA. In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running. But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security, wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired.'

The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.

'Ten dollars,' the guy says.

'Ten dollars? This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?'

'Because he's a liar. He never did ANY of that stuff!'

Photo by Debra Walsh, Copyright © 2009 Debra Walsh. All Rights Reserved.  This photo may not be reproduced, used or transmitted without the express, written permission of Debra Walsh of Minisink Valley Homes Real Estate in Slate Hill, NY.  Thank you for not plagiarizing!

Photo by Debra Walsh, Copyright © 2009 Debra Walsh. All Rights Reserved. This photo may not be reproduced, used or transmitted without the express, written permission of Debra Walsh of Minisink Valley Homes Real Estate in Slate Hill, NY. Thank you for not plagiarizing!