Alert for trouble.

After a rash of daytime burglaries, two thieves got their comeuppance.

In Everson, Pennsylvania, a series of break-ins in the normally quiet area had residents on alert, and this heightened awareness proved to be the undoing of two suspected burglars, Sean Sanders, 19, and Ralph Carter, 20.

On May 13, an Everson resident became suspicious when an unknown car cruised through the neighborhood. When the thieves stopped at Ted Huffman's house, the resident called the police and Huffman. A short while later, a relative of Huffman arrived at Huffman's house, armed with a pistol. He stopped the break-in and told Sanders and Carter to get on the ground, but they fled on foot.

In the past, police have responded less than promptly to Everson-area burglaries (neighbors report two hour waits), but on this day, the police arrived shortly thereafter and began a manhunt immediately. (Ironically, police just happened to be nearby because another burglary ring of 12 people was being arraigned.)

The police arrested three people: Sanders and two young women whom he called for a ride. The women were later released. Sanders was charged with attempted burglary, attempted theft, criminal trespassing, and receiving stolen property. Carter is still at large.

Joe Rizza, a neighbor who was robbed previously, told the Tribune-Review of Pittsburgh that the most valuable things the thieves stole were peace of mind and memories. He said, "I grew up in this town, and we never locked our doors. Now, we set the alarm in the middle of the day when we go across the street."