Theives in the Night
I was brought up in Liverpool, England. When you went to bed at night you made certain that you had locked and bolted your doors, as housebreaking was commonplace.

Now I live in a small town in the West Country, crime here consists of teenagers dropping litter on their way to school, dog crap on the pavement and the occasional drunk shouting. I think there might have been a murder here 20 years ago, and I heard a rumour that an old lady in my road had her handbag stolen when, like many people she had not locked her front door. When I go to bed I don't worry about checking my doors and windows as crime is pretty much unheard of.

I had been away for a few days on a trip and had retired a day early as I wasn't feeling to well. I had told my neighbours that I was going away so they could take in any parcels that arrived. I went to bed early and soon was asleep. At about 11pm I was awoken my a noise, I reasoned that it was the central heating, but then I realised in was summer and it was off!

I came to my senses and realised that someone was in my house, and that in my hurry to go to bed I had left the back door unlocked. Bravely I crept downstairs ready to confront whoever it was. I barged into the living room and flicked on the light. I was confronted by two young women who gave out a scream. I recognised them instantly, they were the teenage daughters of two of my neighbours.

They quickly apologised and said that they thought I was away. They confessed they were looking for drink or cash to buy booze. I had to admire their honesty! They begged me not to tell their parents or the police, as they were both on their final warnings.

I assured them that I would not tell anyone, providing they did what I asked. They reluctantly agreed.