DEAR ABBY: Before we went on vacation, we trusted our 15-year-old neighbor "Mia" to feed our cat, take in the mail and water the plants. While we were away, she invited some of her friends and their friends to our home. Some of them she knew by their nicknames and only for a short time.
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When Mia's parents learned about the party, they forbade her to go. However, she failed to mention she had left our door unlocked for strangers to enter. It was obvious when we returned that people had been there because things were out of place and garbage was left behind. We're missing about $100 worth of beer and liquor, $50 in change and $150 in old coins. Mia claims she doesn't know who was there, and her friends aren't being honest.
I'd like to get the police involved. Mia, her parents and my husband think I'm "unfair" for wanting to involve the police. I believe a crime has been committed and don't understand why I'm being treated like the bad guy when I'm the victim. The police have told me Mia would not get into trouble as long as she cooperates. Am I overreacting? -- VIOLATED NEIGHBOR IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR VIOLATED: I don't think so. The party animals who invaded your home are guilty of trespassing and theft. You should be compensated for anything that was taken and those responsible held accountable. Now that the "kids" have seen where everything of value in your house is located, you could be further victimized. You did the right thing in informing the police.