There've been several gangs doing this sort of thing over yonder in recent days. The bad economy causes an upsurge in breaking and entering. But we're not talking about Jean Valjean stealing bread here; more like Billy-Bob and Bubba needing cash for drugs. The bad economy presses hardest upon the working poor, which are their favored prey. They would normally be shy about targeting middle class folks, 'cause those gentry call the cops and keep records and stuff. Some of them even have security systems. And the bad guys might also prefer easier swindles and thefts to breaking doors. They're like bears, I guess: the bears only come down from the high country and interfere with campers when they can't find what they're looking for up above.
One lady who lives right on a main road about half a mile or so above me was hit twice in one week not long ago. So they're definitely getting bolder. The Deputy said one gang they caught had rented a storage unit in Dillsboro where they stashed the swag from their various heists. Criminal entrepreneurs.
The worst theft, though, is not the stuff they stole from me, but the loss of the peace and security of my little cabin in the woods. I feel violated. May the curse of Mary Malone and her nine blind illegitimate children chase them so far over the hills of damnation that the Lord himself can't find them with a telescope!