About two weeks ago I got a PACT email from the Calgary Police Service – it’s a service they provide to communities to keep them abreast of crime trends and/or warnings. This one was about a break-and-enter scam whereby a guy (or a couple of guys) were posing as window-washers…they would come and ring the doorbell; if you answered, they’d offer to wash your windows. If nobody answered, they’d kick down the door and rob the house.

I didn’t think much of it at the time, you know. I really try to stay away from the culture of fear that’s so prevalent in our information-based culture. But today, when I was driving home from my volunteer stint at the kids’ school, I saw a guy walking down my street carrying a bucket and a squeegee. Hmmm, think I, that’s like that police email.

It just happened that I was on the phone with my husband at the time, and mentioned it to him. He encouraged me to call the police, which I thought was a bit of an overreaction. I mean, it had been a few weeks: likely this was just a legit window-washer guy right? (Forgetting that it’s February for a moment). While still on the cell phone with hubby, the guy rings my doorbell! I decided to answer, because I really didn’t want him kicking down the door while I was still in the house. He offered to wash our outdoor windows for $75, or both indoors and out for $120. I said “no thanks” and then decided to call the police after all.

I waited a few minutes and then went to yoga class, on the basis that he already thought someone was at home. When I got back from yoga, there was a message from the police…they had apprehended the guy and arrested him!

I GOT A GUY ARRESTED!

And this is the greatest excitement in weeks for my tame suburban life.