Blame the Victim? Do We Encourage Burglaries?

In Des Peres last week, a handful of cars and homes were burglarized in a residential neighborhood—a serious enough "spree" that the city blasted an email and text alert to the neighborhoods.

As it happens, the burglar got into some unlocked cars, used the garage door opener and walked into a pair of houses in which the inside door was not locked.

The report brought on this comment from a reader: "A person would not lock their car outside overnight (or anytime) because? And with a home garage door opener and valuables inside? Is this laziness or stupidity?"

Another reader who said she was was one of the victims took offense: "I hope you are never a victim. You are acting like it was our fault."

What do you think? Do we bear any responsibility when crimes like this happen? Is it "lazy" or "stupid" to fail to lock your door, if it gives an opening to a burglar?

MORE CONVERSATION STARTERS

• Feeling the Pinch of Prom Season? You're Not Alone
• Privacy or Law Enforcement? Release of Concealed Weapon Permit Names
• Would a No-Texting-and-Driving Law Stop You?
• Curb Older Drivers? Missouri Campaign Aims to Reduce Risk