A few years ago the Hawkins County 911 dispatchers received a telephone call from a cell phone and got a big surprise. They happened to overhear what was supposed to be a private conversation between two men making plans for a burglary they were about to commit. The discussion went on for so long – 40 minutes – that the deputies were able to discreetly arrive at the scene of the crime that about to take place and observe the pair of suspects. One was reported to tell the other they would make their move just as soon as “that cop moves.”

The sheriff’s sat on their hands and waited while the culprits broke into a trailer home and came out with a refrigerator. They hung around for a while waiting to be picked up by their accomplice in the getaway vehicle. The police apprehended them after a short chase on foot.

The cell phone in question was discovered in a nearby creek and is apparently the type of mobile device that automatically dials 911 when the number “9” is held down. It seems that one of the burglars was carrying the phone in the pocket of his jean packet and pressed the number by accident on the device that ended up foiling his best laid plans.

Of course we all know this is a fluke incident and it is a very good idea to take all the precautions available to prevent your home from being targeted for burglary. Intruders look for easy and quick access with no home security equipment that could give away their identity or draw attention to their actions. The best kept secret is not really a secret – burglar proofing your home is wise for preventing your valuable possessions from being stolen.