Most law enforcement agencies have a program in place that teaches the public how to avoid being a crime victim. In Texas, it is called Crime Prevention. One would think that the concept would be similar across the board. That is not the case. Residents-told-paddling-pool-pose-risk-burglars.

A group of homeowners in England purchased an inflatable pool (pictured above). It was surrounded by a fence but the gate was unlocked. The local police contacted the homeowners and informed them that the pool had to go. The police modified their decision and required that it be covered when not in use.

It seems that the police were concerned that the pool represented an unacceptable hazard to potential burglars. The police reasoned that a burglar creeping the area at night might fall into the pool and drown. In the interest of burglar safety, the pool had to go. I guess it was one of those workplace safety issues.

Thank God for Texas! I can imagine a Texas police officer’s response to the same situation.  “A burglar fell into your pool?  Hold his head under water until he stops struggling, and then call us back.”