I had a frustrating day at work -- actually trying to work from home, but continually being thwarted by tech problems (curses!) -- redeemed by a good Police Beat meeting. I talked with a bunch of the neighbors, saw evidence that the cops were actually doing something, and got a bunch of tips from Pedro, an old Puerto Rcan guy I've said hi to when he's out playing dominos but never actually talked with at length. He's a good guy. (Guy with the limp -- if you're reading this on Wendy's computer, everybody in the neighborhood knows you're dealing. We're all going to call 911 whenever we see you. Leave now.) One of the cops who had responded to one of our robberies told me they'd recovered a computer monitor, and he's going to call Wendy about it when he gets back from vacation in five days (timing in everything...) Another showed me the bulletin they'd sent out over the district telling people to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. So yeah, there is some action, it seems.

Then when I got home, a message from another detective regarding the second break-in, and I got his number so I can give it to the insurance guy. He called me an "urban pioneer," which is better than "idiot," I suppose.