The Victim: John Gaither
Date: Monday, March 18
Time: Between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Location: 8300 block of Lullwater
Someone grabbed the bench.
John Gaither has a small courtyard area in the front yard of his Old Lake Highlands home. The metal bench there was nice for sitting and relaxing — perfect for a chat with neighbors and friends on a spring day. Gaither had an unfortunate surprise recently when he discovered his bench had been stolen.
In recent years, Gaither hadn’t experienced any crime at his home, but had noticed more burglaries and car break-ins in the area of late. The recent theft was annoying, but he is glad that the thief did not try to take more or break into his house.
“The bench has been out there 10 years,” he says. “I’m disappointed it’s gone. I guess the thing to do now is to lock things down with a heavy chain.”
Despite the loss, he is trying to keep a positive outlook and still enjoy the greenery in his front yard — hopefully on his new bench soon.
Dallas Police Sgt. Keitric Jones of the Northeast Patrol Division says the theft of patio furniture is not a common offense. But items that are not secured can always be a target for thieves looking for easy loot. Making yourself less of a target will make a thief think about looking elsewhere.
“To try to prevent lawn and patio furniture from being stolen, the persons should purchase a small steel cable or chain, and secure the furniture to a tree or other immovable object,” Jones says. “Please keep in mind that any precautions taken to secure your property will help to reduce the chance of you becoming a victim of a theft.”
