Two weeks ago we editorialized about the recent break-ins on Orcas. Just a few days later, things got worse, as a series of thefts took place in Eastsound.

The business community has been shaken, as has the island at large. The thief (or thieves) have been aggressive, caused thousands of dollars in damage, and made us all a little fearful about leaving our homes and shops unattended.

As one business owner who was targeted said, “I went from being sick to being pissed.”

The Chamber of Commerce helped establish a fund for information about the break-ins, and several island businesses have already contributed money to it; more are likely to follow. The reward money is now at $1500. We’re doing what we do best in times of turmoil: coming together.

We encourage businesses – on all the islands – to take advantage of the police department’s free assessment of security measures. Sheriff Bill Cumming says they can offer tips on where to put surveillance cameras as well as information about alarm systems, locks, and more.

And it’s not just businesses that are at risk – residences are often burglarized. As we’ve said before, let your neighbors know when you’re going out of town, and ask them to keep an eye on your house. Consider forming a neighborhood watch group. Install a video camera in your house. Call the sheriff if you see anything suspicious.

It’s really too bad that we have to take these kinds of precautions, but if we want to catch this particular person and prevent future break-ins, it seems to be necessary. We may be a small town, but we’re not naïve, and we don’t want thieves to think we’re easy targets.

Communities have one advantage that the police don’t: we can have eyes and ears in multiple places at once. Let’s get our sense of safety back, and send a clear message to criminals: leave us alone.