Yes, I agree it was foolish to for her to leave her bag, even if she thought it was hidden under the seat. the responsibility of the loss is hers, not the community. I have read and received notices from SSPD in various forms warning of car break-ins in sandy springs. sometimes we think it happens to others and we can get away with it, just this once. We can’t. Before you even leave the house, put your purse, laptop or whatever in your trunk. couldn’t hurt now could it?

I appreciate Ms. Pressman's reinforcing my foolishness and advising that the responsibility was mine (as if I didn't know that.) I wrote the email to the editor (and she kindly posted it in a timely manner) in order that others would exercise more caution than I did and in order to alert residents and visitors that thieves were watching people at Hammond Park where parents often "run in and out of the car" picking children up at gymnastics (which is what I was doing), on the field, etc. (I receive the SSPD and SS general updates and hadn't seen that particular location noted in the past.) Additionally, contrary to the suggestion made above, it doesn't seem wise to me to leave anything valuable ANYWHERE in the car as these thieves are savvy and aware of standard practices (i.e. if a woman leaves a bag in the trunk and exits the car without a bag, they'll find it in the car.) My window was smashed silently with a "puncturing" type tool and despite there being many people within just yards of my car, I don't know if anyone noticed.

Ms. Fishman's response to Ms. Pressman was very gracious. I'd have just called her a name. The responsibility for the loss is the thief's, not Ms. Fishman's. And I suppose when a woman gets attacked it is "her fault, not the community's" because she looked too nice? Please Ms. Pressman, when a crime victim takes the trouble to tell a story that might help others, just say thanks. Or nothing at all. Your blaming it on the victim gets no one anywhere.

My intent was never to hurt her in any way. As a rule we tend to complacency which leads to trouble. It is sad we have this in our community, but it is here. so we need to take notice and be aware at all times. Many is the day, I see women with handbags in their buggies as they shop. I very politely mention to them it would be best if they held on to it. thank you for bringing your interpretation of my response to me. it gives me a chance to thank you for another viewpoint.