A retired senior citizen and former police superintendent, Mrs. Gertrude Barker, found herself on the other side of the law this past weekend after her car was stolen under unfortunate circumstances tied to the rush of the Christmas season.
The incident occurred late Friday night into the early hours of Saturday morning. Mrs. Barker explained that she had been out to dinner with friends and later returned home to prepare for guests. In the rush of shopping, cooking, and hosting, she unknowingly left the keys inside her vehicle.
“When everyone left, the car was still there. That was around 10:30 p.m.,” Mrs. Barker said. “But when I got up the next morning, it was gone.”
Mrs. Barker, who lives in a very secluded area where passersby are uncommon, described the experience as deeply stressful. “It’s very difficult for people to just wander this way, so it was quite alarming to realize the car had vanished.”
When asked the obvious question—whether the keys had been left inside the vehicle—Mrs. Barker acknowledged the mistake.
“Yes, I had just been shopping. I rushed up, took in the groceries, and started cooking for people coming to dinner. I simply didn’t think about the car,” she admitted. “It was a very valuable mistake.”
Despite recognizing her own negligence, Mrs. Barker immediately reported the incident. She praised the police for their initial response.
“The police were very responsive. They came to the house and said they would check neighboring properties for cameras,” she said. However, as days passed, frustration set in. “I called several times afterward, and they said there was no luck. Then I was told the matter would be dealt with after Wednesday.”
As of three days after the theft, there had been no public report issued about the stolen vehicle, something that concerned both Mrs. Barker and her friends.
“I assumed the car would normally be put out there, but my friends all said they hadn’t heard anything,” she noted.
Mrs. Barker described the vehicle as a silver Kia Rio, bearing license plate number 05637. She expressed disbelief that anyone would intentionally target such a common, well-maintained car.
“I can’t imagine what someone needs with a car like that. I don’t think it’s for parts. Maybe someone just said, ‘Oh joy,’ and decided to see how far they could get.”
Though she has shared information on social media, Mrs. Barker emphasized that if the car is found, she would prefer that anyone with information contact the police directly rather than calling her.
As the interview concluded, warm holiday wishes were exchanged, with hopes that the vehicle would be recovered before Christmas.
“I pray that before Christmas you’ll have your car back,” the interviewer said.
“Thank you,” Mrs. Barker replied. “I appreciate your help. A friend recommended I speak with TNN, another former police officer, and I was very thankful for that advice.”
Despite the ordeal, Mrs. Barker remains hopeful—and reflective—offering a sobering reminder of how quickly an innocent oversight can turn into a distressing experience, even for someone who once wore the badge herself.
Merry Christmas, and may the season bring safe returns.
Any content which is considered unsuitable, unlawful, or offensive, includes personal details, advertises or promotes products, services or websites, or repeats previous comments will be removed.
User comments posted on this website are solely the views and opinions of the comment writer and are not a representation of or reflection of the opinions of TNN or its staff.
TNN reserves the right to remove, edit or censor any comments.
TNN accepts no liability and will not be held accountable for the comments made by users.