Stolen Bike Leaves Lasting Impression

Sometime last weekend, somebody walked into my garage on Calle Castano and rode away with my bike.

I went through the common emotions: disbelief, denial, frustration and anger. But being an adult, I came to grips pretty quickly. After all, it was only a bike.

But I realized that the saddest part is that my children lost some of their innocence last weekend. They had some of their freedom, some of their liberty, chipped away. The security they once felt in our home has been usurped by fear. My 3-year-old cried himself to sleep tonight because he was afraid the thief would come back. My 6-year-old set traps of ropes and bells in the garage today.

I might have lost some metal and wheels, but the real crime was against my kids. They are the true victims. It’s a shame that such a thoughtless, selfish act will have a lifelong impact on my children.

I would ask you, if your kids come home with something new, find out where they got it. If somebody brags about stealing something, remind them of the profound and lasting impact this action has on victims. Lastly, if you saw a used, red 18-speed mountain bike with black handle bars, black seat and a small black pouch under the seat mysteriously appear in your neighborhood last week, please call the Sheriff’s Department.

In the meantime, keep your garage doors down and locked. Living in one of the safest cities in America means little when you’re the victim.

RICHARD FOLSOM

Thousand Oaks