DEAR ABBY: I got the shock of my life last week. I live in a well-lighted, expensive neighborhood, in an electric-gated, fenced home.
I was upstairs in my bedroom when suddenly there was a knock on my bedroom door and in walked my two grown sons.
The youngest had climbed over the gated fence, gone into the gated backyard, put a credit card into the breakfast room door, found my purse and got my keys so that he could turn off the alarm in my car, get the remote control and open the gate, so that they could get in, come up the stairs, knock on my door and walk in. I nearly had a heart attack.
Abby, anyone could have done that, and I might not be sitting here writing to you. Everyone, please: Beware and be careful. -- J.P.C. IN L.A.
DEAR J.P.C.: Since you now feel vulnerable in your home, it's time to contact a security company and have someone there evaluate your premises. For openers, you need to purchase a deadbolt lock for the breakfast room. And for your peace of mind, instruct your two budding second-story men to never again enter your home without calling first.