Thievery

In a city of 1.3 million, there is apt to be crime. On Friday, my portable data projector was heisted from our sanctuary as we prepared to recognize students who had satisfactorily completed the first session of English camp. The doors were locked, but we think the thief slipped in through a window. This was, we believe, an inside job since the robber knew where to look.

Our camp takes place on the grounds of a residence for Christian students and others associated with the church, a complex of possibly 100 people during the school year.  Not all people are honest.

It’s disheartening, but our program continues.  The police, when I went to see them, were polite, efficient and sympathetic.  I had expected far less.  The Czechs tell horror stories about their police force—perhaps their distrust is a vestige of Communism. 

Our room is now double locked at all times.  I have bought a new camera, a sense of security is more difficult to replace.  Travel makes us more vulnerable than we would be at home for the outsider is conspicuous.

I take what I view as sensible precautions.  On the whole I’ve had pretty good luck. This is my tenth international project and my first really serious problem.