Check out what happens when ornaments get stolen from an ornament producer!

The following articles are from my local paper and are a great example of a community coming together.
I posted them here to share with you so please take time to read them.

Dustin Carlson
Countrywide Garden Ornaments


The Citizen, Cowichan Valley - Friday, August 29th, 2008


The Citizen, Cowichan Valley - Wednesday, September 10th, 2008


The Citizen, Cowichan Valley - Friday, September 19th, 2008

There is something to be said about entering into a new community. Expect a process of meeting new friends to fill the void those left behind. This takes time, as good people are hard to meet as they have no problem filling their days with friends. Where people with less charm, and fewer people around them, seem to be the first people you encounter when you arrive.

The response that I received from these articles turned this whole experience into a positive one. The feedback ranged from handshakes and smiles to a free haircut at the barber shop.

The community loved the mystery of "where's the lost artifact" in addition to the protection offered by looking out for one's neighbor. This reminds me of when a herd gives a warning of jackals in the tall grass. The herd unites and those that would take advantage have little opportunity.

Others I met shared countless stories that never made it to print, such as items stolen in the night and how there is usually not enough information for police to do their part. There is little promise with insurance claims on small items due to the cost of rising premiums after the claim. The whole situation usually turns out bitter. If there was a section in the paper for 'what went missing in the night', I believe it would do more for the problem than police ever could. We just need to come together.

As a side note I have heard that one of the robbers has had nothing but bad luck since the heist. Perhaps this is simply a self fulfilling prophesy or perhaps Buddha, you decide.