• Price: $174,900, City: Del Norte, Square feet: n/a
• Location: 7150 W Rd 11 North, Del Norte, CO, 81132

PRICE REDUCED! Enjoy great views of the surrounding mountains from the screened in patio just out the back door of this 1995 log home with covered front entry. Many upgrades include laminated wood flooring throughout and updated kitchen. Large yard

• Property Type: Residential
• Listing type: For sale
• Listing status: Active
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 2
• Agent: www.debraparr.com
• Broker: Parr Real Estate
• Author: TourFactory Virtual Tours

The resident, who requested anonymity to maintain her privacy, moved to North Ridgeville in 2009. Ironically, the woman said she left Lakewood because the area was beginning to experience more crime.

“I love this little house so much,” she said when interviewed last week. “In the olden days when I was much younger, the fearful me would have said ‘Oh dear, I’ve made a terrible mistake, I shouldn’t have bought this house; let’s put it on the market.’ But I had none of that reaction. When I woke up and saw that black clad figure standing at the foot of my bed, I was enraged.”

The resident was unable to identify the figure other than to recall he was wearing all black. When she screamed, he turned and ran. She said she wondered if the whole thing had been a dream - but then she noticed broken molding by the French doors in her bedroom. Someone had pried open the locked door.

The incident occurred at approximately 11 p.m. July 10, and police were on the scene within minutes. Although no one was apprehended, the resident said police were helpful. They searched the property and took pictures of the damage. They also found an open backyard gate, through which they believed the intruder probably ran.

According to the resident, police also told her the best defense against such intruders is a dog or a gun. She doesn’t like guns, but she said she will soon own a dog.

“I am in the process of interviewing large and intimidating canines, and one will be here shortly,” she said.

Capt. Allan Dent of the North Ridgeville Police Department said his reports don’t indicate whether officers actually offered advice to the woman about a dog and gun, but it is important for people to keep their doors and windows locked and for neighbors to look out for one another. He did say the decision to acquire a firearm depends on the individual.

“Some people are deathly afraid of guns,” Dent said. “But if you are properly trained, it is not a bad idea.”

Likewise, Dent said some people can’t own dogs

because of allergies, and even if they do, a dog won’t necessarily deter an intruder.

“My dog doesn’t bark at all,” he said. “You could probably just give him some candy and he would run away.”

Dent also stressed incidents like this one - where someone wakes up with an intruder in his or her home - are very uncommon in North Ridgeville. It is more likely, he added, for thieves to break into vehicles, garages or dwellings when no one is home.

A nearby neighbor said Davis Drive is a place where she feels safe, and she is surprised such an incident occurred.

“It’s just unheard of, No. 1,” the neighbor, who also declined to be identified, said. “No. 2, I’m assuming they (the intruder) thought no one was home. They probably wanted to grab something and get out.”

The neighbor has four dogs, and she believes they are good deterrents to any unwanted visitors. Both the victim and her neighbor were in agreement Davis Drive is a quiet street where not much happens. Many of the people who live there have been neighbors for years. Nonetheless, within two days of the botched burglary, the victim took steps to secure her property. There are new locks on every door, a security system and new lights outside.

“No one will be able to come in or out without being fully illuminated,” she said.

She still loves her home, neighbors and North Ridgeville; she will not be living in fear.

“I think North Ridgeville is a wonderful place to live, and I’m not discouraged in the least,” she emphasized. “I actually have to thank the person who broke in because now that I’ve secured my home, I feel safer than I ever did before.”

Tags: North Ridgeville