Also, in case you missed it, there was a similar discussion in a recent open thread. -Elisa

The economic downturn is disturbing in so many ways. Take, for example, the uptick in crime.

Like other parts of the country, here in Berkeley we are being hit by unemployment, home foreclosures, declining real estate prices -- and break-ins. In fact, both our neighbors on each side of us have been broken into and had something stolen. One of the neighbors has been broken into at least a few times. Twice, the police have asked us if we saw anything. Unfortunately, no.

No one has seen anything so we have no idea who is committing the thefts. We don't know if it is more than one person.

But DH and I are convinced that we have not been hit because burglars have noticed we work from home. Still, it is disturbing to know there are people scoping out the neighborhood like that.

I feel so paranoid that the other day at around 7:30 p.m. a young man in his late teens/early 20s knocked on the door and I refused to open it. He said he represented Save the Children, and I simply said through the window, "I will look you up online! I have to tend to my kids. Thanks!" I have decided to operate this way if any more solicitors come to the door at night. I refuse to take any chances especially in regards to the safety of my family.

Are you experiencing an uptick in crime in your neighborhood? What safety precautions are you taking?