They stole our Christmas

Good morning - We were burglarized Monday 12/21 sometime between 8:30am and 1:20pm. We moved to the South side of Redlands in February of 2009 from south Orange County. We have tried to get acclimated and integrated in our new community. Frequently spending our money locally and donating to local charities. Neither of us have ever been robbed. The suspect came in through a side gate and kicked in our backdoor. They took everything: Christmas gifts for the kids all of my jewelry every small electronic. Well now this is shocking what was more shocking was the attitude of the Redlands Police Department. Their lackadaisical approach and bare minimum efforts. They didn't even think to ask the neighbors if they saw anything or anyone. We had to solicit the neighborhood. We were informed that our house was one of ten victimized this week and that there have been THIRTY robberies this month. I understand that with the rough economic times these things happen. Perhaps some of the effort that the Redlands PD is spending on their downtown spy camera's should be diverted to stopping crime in the neighborhoods. Of course drunk drivers are a concern but should they be a whole police departments only focus? We pay property taxes and our chief of police is compensated extremely well, can anyone do their job? I lived in south Orange County for 15 years without one incident 10 months in the IE and I get robbed. I guess the inland empires reputation is solidly in tact.

I am glad no one was physically injured but things that were taken can never be replaced. My great grandmothers jewelery, my mom's wedding ring but most of all my sense of security is gone and my confidence in my towns police department is lost with it. I ask myself why we were not aware of this criminal activity in our neighborhood? I read the paper everyday and the only reports are on the fast acting cameras. Another swaying citizen arrested. Thank you for allowing me to voice my frustration - A call to all Redlands citizens be aware crime is definitely on the rise.