I was excited when the Neighborhood Crime Watch warnings were attached to the backs of the stop signs at each entrance to our little twin-home community.

“We immediately report all suspicious activities to the police department,” they boldly stated.

I felt safe. Large metal signs, each with a bright white eye, the shiny black eyeball staring straight at the criminal element of the county.

The message is clear: “We are watching you. We keep an eye out for each other, a big white and black eye. Got it, creep?” I felt powerful.

Neighborhood Watch took on a whole new meaning once we unpacked the moving boxes and settled in. Spring arrived, the days got longer. I opened the window blinds as soon as I …