[redwitch]

Most of the teens in the Squares are pretty well-behaved. They can dance, hang out, see a movie .... Sadly, they can also drink -- it is not that hard for a teen to buy at the square kiosks (depends who's working, etc.).

Mercedes emblems have always been a great "souvenier." I can remember having to buy a new one about every 3 months in the Bay Area. I always wondered if the thiefs had any idea of how expensive their little toy was to the owners and if it would have made a difference. Never found anyone who would admit to taking them to find out.

In the meantime, vandalism does happen, even in TV. Fortunately, not often, but enough so that we should be aware and take at least some precautions (locking car doors at the squares; not leaving valuables in plain sight -- even your wallet on the kitchen counter in plain view when you open your door; etc.). You can't protect or worry about everything. Some things you have to take with a grain of salt, doo-doo happens (like the taking of a Mercedes hood ornament).

And I have seen police presence in the squares themselves but not in the parking lots. Community Watch does drive around them occasionally but I'm not convinced they really "see" anything other than cars parked illegally. We all need to be vigilant and aware. We're really the best deterrent to vandalism and theft.

As to the suspicions here, it's irrelevant. First-timers can post as they please and not all news is good news. If it didn't happen, it could have and a reminder isn't a bad idea.