RIM ES AGAINST PROPERTY VENDAL _ The following information is supplied by the Terrace RCMP detachment. These events happened in your community and you may be able to help identify the offenders. If you have any information about these crimes, please telephone the RCMP at 635-4911 or VANDAL WATCH 635-5556. Monday, February 24 Theft from a vehicle parked behind Richard’s Cleaners. An EQ Booster Equalizer and assorted cassette tapes were stolen. Break, enter and theft on Centennial Drive. A VCR was stolen. Tuesday, February 25 Break and enter at Uplands Nursery. Cash and a knife were stolen. Break and enter on Hepple Road. Over $400 in cash was stolen. Lost: $200 in cash in the Tillicum Theatre area. Wednesday, February 26 Theft from an automobile parked on Sunset Drive. Break, enter and theft from a residence on Dairy St. Stereo equipment and jewellery were stolen. Break and enter at the Kalum St. tennis court clubhouse. Thursday, February 27 Wilful damage. A window at All Season’s Sporting Goods was damaged. Break, enter and theft on Johnstone Road. A Browning 12- gauge shotgun, a VCR and jewel- lery were stolen. Break, enter and theft at Clore Ave. residence. A television set, VCR, microwave oven, cas- sette player and typewriter were stolen. Friday, February 28 Break, enter and theft on Cedar Crescent. Gold coins and a man’s watch were stolen. Sunday, March 1 Break and enter. Several cabins were entered on the east side of Lakelse Lake. An RCMP investigation is continuing. Monday, March 2 Vandalism to two vehicles parked at McEwan Motors. Vent windows were broken on both vehicles. Tuesday, March 3 Break, enter and theft at a residence in the 3600 block of — K’San Ave. A VCR, television set and jewellery were stolen. The television set was recovered near the scene of the crime. Crime Review tip: In the past we have discussed ways in which you might deter a thief, but what do you do if you are the victim of a break and enter? Break and enter is classified as the most serious property crime in Canada today. This may be little comfort to the victim, however, who experiences strong feelings of anger, fear and a sense of personal violation. There is a sense of shock and disbelief that someone has actual- ly violated the sanctity of your home, gone through many of your personal belongings, and taken what they perceived to be of value. Part of this sense of shock is the violation of your personal privacy. Not only have you lost your possessions, but your priv- acy, personal security and trust have been taken away as well. This leads to a sense of frus- tration because you are not able to directly express your anger at the person or person who com- Terrace Review — March 6, 1992 cael mitted the crime. This anger and frustration may be expressed against the court system or the police, who have not been able to find the criminals or recover your personal property. One of the strongest emotions may be one of fear that your own home is no longer safe, You may feel uncomfortable being alone at home, or you may worry when you're not at home. Many people fear that their home may be bro- ken into again It is possible, although not likely, that another break and enter will occur. But there is no sense in living with fear. Talk to an officer or a representative of the Victim Assistance Program at the local detachment. Talking about crime prevention can lessen the chances of a recurrence. But in addition to prevention, there are other things you should talk about as well. There may be an increased suspicion of stran- gers in your neighbourhood. Stress may result in sleeping or eating disorders. And then you may feel guilt. Perhaps there was something you could have done to prevent the crime. Perhaps with some fore- thought you might have been able to prevent the act that has brought a cloud of anxiety to you and your family. The feeling of guilt is inappro- priate: when someone else breaks the law, it is not the victim’s fault. But this sense of guilt may be increased if you have children who are affected. Their feelings are the same, but their emotions are far more intense and they have a difficult time trying to express those emotions. The secret here is to find a way to deal with these emotions. Talk to a Victim Assistance counsellor — the number is 638-0333 — or your family doctor.