Remotes to the rescue

This is the 600th column, which is about a quarter of a

million words since 1996. I thank you for sticking with me.

I'm still having fun- I hope the readers are having fun too!

Ever notice how the first three or four stories on the 11 o'clock news are about violent crime? What on earth is happening in our society? Given the state of neighborhood safety, or lack of it, here's a safety tip sent to me via email:

Most cars since the late '90s come with remotes for opening and locking doors. These remotes also open trunks and sound the horn.

You've probably already tested your remote to see how far away you can trigger the doorlock feature. I've used the trunk opener to find my car in a crowded parking lot. I guess that's a sign of advancing years because I have to hunt for my car at least once a week.

That same remote feature can serve as a burglar or invasion alarm in your home. Take the car keys to bed with you. Better yet, use a spare remote device, and test it from all parts of your house.

My bedroom is rather far from the garage and the remote signal is too weak to trigger the horn. But if I step into the hallway just outside my bedroom, the remote sounds the alarm.

People tend to ignore car horns in parking lots. That's because the alarms are used in excess out on the streets. But late at night, I believe neighbors will be annoyed by a continuously sounding horn.

Your car horn may be your initial response, but certainly should not be your only response. If there's danger, lock your door and call the cops. The beauty of a cell phone is there's no phone line outside the house that can be cut. Call 911 as soon as you suspect trouble!

For many intruders a continuously honking horn is enough discouragement. The bad guys don't like attention, so give them lots of it.

Email feedback - CallTheCops@sc.rr.com