What Would You Do?

I really wish more people would stop worrying about getting into someone else's business when it's crystal clear something is wrong.

Earlier this year, we started watching a show called What Would You Do?. Actors play out precarious and/or morally-questionable situations and cameras capture how people react...if they react. If they are compelled to take action.

For example, on tonight's show, one of the scenarios focused on a guy slipping a powdery substance in his date's drink while she went to the bathroom. Not everyone who saw what happened actually spoke up. Few said anything. Most wanted to stay out of it, even though they clearly saw the male actor drop what looked like drugs into his date's glass of wine.

One of our neighbors saw the guys criminals who broke into our home. Although she felt strongly suspicious about the men knocking on our door, running away from our home, and speeding away in a vehicle, she did nothing.

She needs a major wake-up call and she needs to watch What Would You Do?.

Hopefully, people watching this show have their eyes opened a little wider and their brains tapped a little harder.

It's not about being a hero but it does involve a little common sense plus courage.

Don't be afraid to speak up. Be a nosy neighbor. Don't just stand by and do nothing. You could be stopping a crime. Perhaps even saving a life.

The Golden Rule feels appropriate right now. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Be Suspicious of Guys on Bicycles with Backpacks

If you see an unfamiliar person riding a bicycle carrying a backpack through your neighborhood, it's possible he is a burglar looking for some easy pickings. We've heard from law enforcement that a lot of ex-cons out on parole can't get a driver's license...so they end up on bicycles.

They look for unattended open garages where they can quickly steal some tools or other belongings - things that can fit in a backpack. It's not beyond them to break into a home. Electronics and other valuables can fit in a backpack too.

Our local police has instructed us to call them anytime we see someone suspicious, like an unfamiliar person riding a bicycle through our neighborhood and carrying a backpack. They'll come check it out.

Now don't call 9-1-1 unless it's an emergency. Memorize the non-emergency telephone number for your local law enforcement agency. Each person in our family has it programmed in our cell phones and on speed dial.