Bermuda is still a beautiful place that most of us are proud about, but we would be in deep denial if we failed to acknowledge the changes that have occurred in recent decades, especially in the area of crime. Such changes are believed to be largely connected to gang and illegal drug activity, which continue to cast a shadow over our community life.

After a winter of closed windows and doors, the warm temperatures usher in a period where most residents welcome the opportunity to allow fresh air to sweep through the house. There was a time when this was done without any major concern about security, and people would actually leave homes unlocked during a quick trip to a nearby store. In fact, in some areas, windows were left unlocked throughout the night.

That time is long past, and while Bermuda is still relatively safe, there is little room to be complacent when it comes to ensuring that houses or even vehicles are well secured before retiring at night.

Although we have beautiful citizens throughout our communities who strive for a better Bermuda daily, sadly there are elements among us with other objectives, and police and community watch groups are constantly on alert for suspicious activity, in an effort to discourage those with criminal intent who take advantage of dwellings left improperly secured during the summer months.

Many of our seniors who enjoyed those years when Bermuda was a place where windows and doors were left open without fear, are troubled by the bold and daring thieves operating today, who have broken into churches and schools without any thought of what effect it has on the entire community. It is common knowledge that illegal drug addiction, is perhaps behind elements seeking anything of value to afford an expansive habit, that usually leads to an even darker chapter in their lives.

The cultural change Bermuda has undergone over the years with materialism dominating so much of community life, has altered certain attitudes that leaves a huge question mark over what is happening to many of our young people caught up in the current trend of shifting values, believing that old basic family rules are outdated and no longer applicable in the world today. That is, until they find themselves facing the mercy of a magistrate or judge, and a harsh lesson about the facts of life.

Some of these habits can start early with children not yet in their teens. A recent incident was brought to my attention when a youngster removed his new sneakers to participate in a fun event for children. When he returned, the sneakers he put on were an old pair, which gave the appearance of a switch. The little boy’s mother later noticed the difference, and hoped it was an innocent mistake but, if not, she hoped the other boy would not think he had gained anything by taking something he knew was not his. Hopefully, it was a mistake.

Numerous events planned for the summer months will involve families leaving their homes and we know the America’s Cup will be one of those spectacles.

Those with criminal intent will be an ever-present threat that Bermudians can ill afford to ignore. It is not a question of pushing panic buttons, or living in a state of fear, but we all need to be realistic in confronting the new age of giving close attention to protecting valuables from thieves who never sleep.

Police usually issue warnings each year, for residents to be vigilant in protecting property and valuables during the summer months.

Bermudians are looking forward to a great summer, and with everyone mindful that safety and security are vital components for success, this seems an appropriate time to sound a summer warning for all residents, to take proper precautions to make this a safe and happy summer for all.