We'd just arrived at the Open (farmers) Market when a jogger passed by us about 6:30 in the morning. He called out asking if we knew who the car (with keys and remote in the door handle) parked behind us belonged to. Art said he'd seen that car parked in the carport across the street another time.
The jogger walked across the street to the house, called out and banged on the window. We went to the Open Market and came back a half hour later to see that the car still had the key sticking out the door.
So what to do....
I went across the street, but there was so much stuff in the walkway leading to the house that I couldn't get to the door easily.
So I went to the neighbor's house and rang their doorbell.
No one answered so I walked away figuring we would have to give up.
I felt bad about it since it's just asking to be stolen.
As I got back to our car, a couple called from the house I'd been at. I explained what the problem was with their neighbor's car and they were a tad bit exasperated but said they'd take care of it.
As I walked back to our car, the woman called out, "Thanks for waking us up."
Oops!
I thought they were mad, but as I drove off they were both waving at us so I guess it's OK.
Was there something better I could have done? Sigh...

The car doesn't look old, but how old was it to need keys?
ReplyDeleteActually, our Prius has a key also as well as the automatic unlock.
DeleteMaybe the key fob doesn't work anymore. (My fob doesn't work sometimes, so I have to use the key.) But, too bad folks were so cranky. Maybe they wanted it stolen?! Maybe calling the cops would've helped after seeing the hanging keys. The police could track the tag and possibly determine the owner's location. You're good for trying to do the right thing! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteWe were in a shopping mall and passed by a car that had the hood open, actually the hatchback. No one around so we closed it. You did the right thing. If everyone stopped doing that what a sorry society we would be.
ReplyDeleteThe owner of that car should be very glad there's people like you & Art around, Kay. I can't believe you got that sarcastic "thanks for waking us up" from the possible owner's neighbor! I guess "no good deed goes unpunished" is sadly true :(
ReplyDeleteyou can't fix everything-maybe calling the police would help...we all need good neighbors though!
ReplyDeleteWow! Reminds me of this older man that left his mailbox keys in the mailbox a couple of times. We have super mailboxes at the corner where people collect their mail.
ReplyDeleteThey probably weren't mad at you but at the car owner. Sounds like this might not have been the first time he messed up. You absolutely did the right thing.
ReplyDeleteI would done the same thing. I have a occasionally left my keys in my front door. Eek. The door is on an inside hall of a condo building but I am so grateful when my neighbors knock.
ReplyDeleteNo, I'd say you've done your good deed for the day!
ReplyDeleteNope, that was just fine.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I'm concerned you did the right thing. It wasn't the middle of the night, right? Some people aren't very appreciative of the good deeds and kindness of others.
ReplyDeleteYou did good, Kay and Art. Very good!
ReplyDeleteI think Patti probably got it right. Good of you to try to help.
ReplyDeleteYou are a good neighbor!
ReplyDeleteI think you went over and above what many people would have done.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know that the car wasn't stolen. I myself have left the keys in my car door and frantically searched the entire house for them. When I gave up and got the spare key to drive to the store, there they were, sticking out of the door. Sigh. :-)
ReplyDeleteMysterious? Saw a shopping cart the other day and someone's keys were in it.
ReplyDeleteThey should have thanked you profusely, I think.
ReplyDeleteToday seems everyone is focused on self. I think it’s fall out from having a mean spirited President. What happened to humble and kind.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a good deed. Maybe the neighbors really did need a wake up call or maybe they just need to be a bit more gracious to those trying to do the right thing.
ReplyDeleteI agree entirely with Sister-Three and the rest of you. Kay did the right thing.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Kay. You did a good thing, knowing you...I can't imagine you doing otherwise.
ReplyDeleteYou've done what people don't really want to care about.
ReplyDeleteYou did all that you could.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
They surely didn't sound very appreciative considering their car was ripe for being stolen. You did everything you should have. If there's a next time, think I would just ignore it and let happen whatever happens unless they make more of an effort to convey their appreciation. Seems like they don't care if their car gets stolen.
ReplyDeleteCalling the police would have been the thing to do next after knocking on doors. The police could have checked the registration on the car and come up with an address. I know I watch to many cop shows but someone could have been getting in their car and been abducted. Not very likely but you never know.
ReplyDeleteI shall definitely remember this for the next time. Thank you, Mike.
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