Last Friday I went to the garage and found the side door open, not unusual since that latch sometimes doesn’t catch but when I walked to the car I noticed something looked off. It only took a second to realize my commuter bike and my gravel bike were gone. I could talk about my feelings about the violation of my space and the heartbreak of losing that commute bike which I had for 19 years but I won’t. Its life, it happens, it sucks.
After that I did all the things that one would expect. I called the cops to submit a report and fixed the door (even added a padlock!). I then bought some security cameras. Kate and I were also talking about building a fence and that idea went from a possibility to a definite. It won’t happen again as long as I keep up my security posture, not because I am making some sort of fortress but because the opportunity costs won’t be there. Cameras, fence, and locks mean more chances to get caught and there are easier targets around.
I am trying not judge everyone by this incident. I live close to a poorer neighbourhood and I don’t want to start thinking of the people I see trying to live their lives as wanton criminals and drug addicts. It’s easy to do after an incident like this but I am trying not to make my hurt turn into hate.