The Thieves in the Shed

George Phillips of Meridian, Mississippi was going to bed when his wife told him that he’d left the light on in the shed.

George rose from the comfort of his warm bed and made his way towards the back door.

As he stepped out into the cool night air, the sight that greeted him sent a chill down his spine – the shed door was ajar, and the faint shadows of thieves flickered within.

George’s heart raced as the realization dawned on him that there were intruders in his shed.

George retreated back into the safety of his home and immediately phoned the police, his voice laced with urgency.

“Hello? Yes, there are people in my shed, and they seem to be stealing things.”

The dispatcher on the other end of the line responded with a calm professionalism, “Is someone in your house, sir?”

“No,” George clarified, recounting the details of the situation unfolding in his backyard.

To his dismay, the dispatcher’s next words sent a wave of frustration washing over him:

“I understand, sir. Unfortunately, all of our patrols are currently occupied. We recommend that you lock your doors and remain inside. An officer will be dispatched as soon as one becomes available.”

George couldn’t believe his ears. How could the authorities simply ignore such a blatant act of trespassing and theft?

“Okay,” he mumbled, masking his frustration as he hung up the phone.

But in that moment, a spark of defiance ignited within him.

He wouldn’t be a passive observer of this injustice – it was time to take matters into his own hands.

George counted to thirty, his heart pounding with adrenaline, before dialing the police once more:

“Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people in my shed. Well, you don’t have to worry about them now because I’ve just shot them all.”

The response was swift and decisive.

Within five minutes, three squad cars, an Armed Response unit, and an ambulance came roaring onto the quiet street, their sirens piercing the night air.

To George’s pleasure, the officers found the burglars red-handed.

One of the policemen turned to George, his brow furrowed in confusion:

“I thought you said that you’d shot them!”

George retorted dryly:

“I thought you said there were no police officers available!”