The Gun Counter

This afternoon I went out to pick up my brother from work. Pulling out of the driveway I passed a kid probably in his late teens on a bike, who appeared to give some attention to the fact that I was leaving. And he had just stopped in front of my house to talk on the phone.
My paranoia suggested that this kid had just determined that the house was just about to be empty and might have been communicating the address to a sketchy character.

I went on to get my brother and got back. I told him I noticed a suspicious kid on the way out who might have been doing recon for a burglar, so when you go in be cautious and alert, and be ready to handle someone who doesn't belong there.

As it turned out the whole situation was nothing. Nothing was missing, everything was still locked, and the kid on the bike was in all likelihood perfectly innocent.

What would you do in a similar situation:
You're leaving the house on a minor errand, nobody is going to be home for at least a little while.
A teenager on a bike has just stopped in front of your house, and is on the phone while watching you leave.

Had I brought my phone with me I might have considered calling the local police and requested they drive by and check for suspicious activity outside.

There is no WRONG time to be vigilant.

I would have stopped and made direct 'eye' contact with him and held it untill he moved along.

That's usally enough to dissuade them. Lowlifes HATE to be 'seen'.

SleepTech7777 wrote:I would have stopped and made direct 'eye' contact with him and held it untill he moved along.

+1

That's what I usually do, if they have a valid reason to be around they usually tell you up front, or just leave. Had a somewhat similar incident myself yesterday.

I would have stopped and ask him if I could help him. Let him tell you why he was where he was. If he lived in the neighborhood then no foul. If not he knows you know what he looks like.

should have armed the land mines and released the sharks with lasers on their heads...

I normally get out of the car, look him dead in the eye, and give a freindly hello. If he's on the level, he'll likely return the greeting, maybe a bit of smalltalk, and move on. If he's up to shenanigans, as has been said, he now knows he's been made.

mekender wrote:should have armed the land mines and released the sharks with lasers on their heads...

What, no man eating crocodiles? No turrets with Death rays?

No debarked chihuahuas?


HTRN

I smile, wave, and make eye contact with every person who drives by my house while I'm outside working on the yard. It's friendly, but I do it for the reasons you suggested.

Back on point, I'd unroll my window and say, "Hey there! You gonna be here for a bit?"

No matter what his answer I'd say, "I been having problems with my sprinklers coming on when they're not supposed to. My wife's supposed to be watching them, but if you ever come by in the day time and see them on, ring the doorbell, ok? Someone will answer."

Then I might add, "Nice bike! Always did like that brand."

I have stopped asked what they are doing , please leave , have a nice day.

I like and have done similar to, Workin's plan. When I have been in your situation sometimes I just drive around the block and get back in the driveway, or reverse it, whatever. Once back in and inside you are sending a message. I never just leave if I feel froggy.