To
realize that one is the target of a gang of robbers or thieves is
rather disturbing to say the least. Anguish and fear fill one's mind
relentlessly, conjuring up the most unpleasant images of your home
ransacked and violated. Several inhabitants of Santa Maria of
Palautordera received a letter left by their doors, a neatly hand
written letter, with a fresh red rose on top, announcing that their home
would be broken into this coming weekend, and suggesting that they, the
residents, best leave the home to avoid unpleasant encounters. And that
they are not to alert the police or they would have to face what they
(the thieves) would be obliged to to. It's not a joke, don't try
anything .... and signed by 'The Boseras.'
 There are several unusual points ...1: The letter was written by hand. Long before the computers took over, machines/typewriters were used, especially when identical copies were needed. These were not simply handwritten, but with very meticulous care, in good and educated calligraphy, no spelling mistakes and grammatically correct phrasing. Who has time and patience these days to write so many of these letters? 2: The red rose that accompanied each letter. What did that mean or suggest? That they were apologizing for causing the 'inconvenience' and the loss of property? Saying "Forgive me, we have no choice?" 3: In Spanish writing, the use of words also denotes the gender of the writer. Here in the letter, some sentences indicated the writer's use of the word 'We' was in feminine form in some but masculine in another sentence. The writer, representing the band (we) of robbers, man or woman? Or both? In the latter case, then it's the norm to use masculine to include the feminine partner. 4: The letters were not sent by post but all delivered to the front door by somebody. And the receivers were all in apartment blocks, not houses with the front doors on the street. Easier to leave the missive unnoticed? Are there any significance that they all live in flats in multi-family blocks? 5: The signature 'Bosceras.' I couldn't find it in the dictionary. Presumably it's just a name and no other significance? Why the warning? And the threat, polite but threat nevertheless? Exactly as it says, to avoid confrontation? Or divert the police force out of their normal locations to concentrate around these targeted spots? Why? I watch a lot of, too many, police and detective stories, but obviously haven't learned how such things are dealt with in real life. My own impression is that somebody was having fun creating chaos either just for a laugh or against some neighbours, who had in some way been nuisance in their minds or imagination. I am willing to bet, nobody in that neighbourhood would leave their home this weekend, and that no robbery would actually take place. Not in those homes that have received the letters anyway, and that the rose in all those homes is each in a little vast on the sideboard or the dining table. |
Current Mood: 
Amused
Amused
