I am following up with letters I have read from Fred Knetsch, Mark and Kelly Taylor and Chief Moore of the Shelburne Police.

First, can we all step back and catch our breath and perhaps read again what each has written. I don't think I read anyone saying that people were stupid, but I did read that leaving your car unlocked overnight in your driveway is a stupid thing to do. And it is. Even if we all lead busy lives and forget to lock it. That maybe the excuse, but the act itself is stupid. Do the words unintelligent or unwise sound better? Perhaps, but the meaning is the same.

I can't imagine anyone would disagree with Crime Prevention Programs and things that we can all do to both prevent crime and help our police forces fight crime when it has occurred.

What it appears we have is a disagreement on the implementation of those awareness programs.

I believe that public education through our high schools, service clubs, local businesses, community (residential) home owner associations, etc.., are all perfectly valid means to implement such programs. I also believe that having the police invited by homeowners for inspections of their homes to review security details (doors, windows, locks, etc...) is also perfectly valid and a service I hope they provide.

However, like Fred Knetsch I have concerns with police coming onto my property uninvited to see whether I have locked my car door or not. While I fully believe that intentions are good (and I believe Fred Knetsch does as well), I do believe they are misguided. I wonder if the next step might be finding the police (again with all good intentions) walking around private residences rattling the windows and doors to see if they are locked.

I want to conclude by saying that I have had the pleasure of having Chief Moore speak to my club about crime and crime prevention in Shelburne and I commend him and his officers for dedication that they have to their duties and the residents of Shelburne.
Bill Waite
Shelburne