this occured at the clinton heights and calumet street intersection, one block south of north broadway this afternoon. i went home on my lunch break to grab something, and i saw three kids (mid to late teens) test my main apartment building entrance to see if it was unlocked. i then saw them cross the street and one kid try the other apartment building's main entrance. i stood by my car to try and be apparent that i was watching the kid test the entrance to the other building, but i'm uncertain if i was seen. they continued to walk west on clinton heights toward high street, and i was unable to see if they were doing this to other residences. they could be just fooling around, but better to be safe than sorry... and seriously, 2:00pm in the afternoon?

this saddens me, as i was feeling very secure since i moved to the area.

Shit, that sucks. My mom lives on Clinton Heights, actually (between Calumet and Indianola avenues) and she was once burgled by someone who walked into her unlocked house (she was in the basement), grabbed her purse and took her wallet. The only time I've had a car break-in was when it was parked in her driveway, actually.

All of that goes to show that even "safe" neighborhoods have problems with crime, and even just the basics--locking doors, closing windows when you aren't home--can reduce the opportunity for criminals to take advantage.

I think the best thing to do in such a situation as the one you experienced is (as long as you feel safe) make it obvious that you're watching. Say "is there anything I can help you with?" or "Hey, what are you doing?"--something that doesn't explicitly call 'em out, but makes it clear that you've got your eye on them ...

Anyway, thanks for the info--I live on West Longview, and I know I'm not always vigilant enough about home security stuff.

My duplex-neighbor said there were a few kids going through unlocked cars in our driveway a couple nights ago.


Time for booby traps.

Whip out the cell phone and take their picture!
I don't even leave my 2nd story patio door unlocked for this reason. I'd guess most burglaries are done by bored teens.

I was hanging out on a friend's porch at 4th ave & Forsythe & saw a group of guys walking down the street, trying car doors to see if they would open. Called the police non-emergency number & they were VERY interested in responding. I guess if they can catch someone in the act, it beats coming after the fact & trying to "investigate". It's up to us to let attempted criminals know that people are watching and they can't pull it off in our neighborhood.