When a Safe Haven No Longer Feels Safe: A Call to Action for the Lakewood Hills Community
There is a profound sense of security that comes with finding a great neighborhood, a place to put down roots, raise a family, and invest your life savings into a home. It's a feeling of safety that many take for granted—until it’s gone. Today, we turn our attention to the residents of Lexington and Davidson County, and specifically to those in the Lakewood Hill community, to address a distressing series of events that has shattered that sense of security for a beloved community member.
Our dear friend, Kathleen Danze, has been a victim of repeated break-ins, a painful and frightening ordeal that has left her and her family reeling. When her sons, Robert and Harrison, first alerted me to the situation, their anguish was palpable. The pain in their voices as they spoke about their mother’s vulnerability was a testament to their deep love and concern. It’s a fear that every child feels when they realize their aging parent is at risk, a fear that keeps them awake at night.
Suspect seen here on his phone on camera.
Suspect seen here collecting Danze’s property
The situation is all the more heartbreaking because of what has been lost. After the recent passing of her husband, Tom Danze, the home was not just a house, but a sanctuary filled with the memories and treasures he had collected over a lifetime. It is a profound violation to know that Mr. Danze’s collectibles and other valuable items, things he worked hard to acquire and cherish, have been stolen. And just recently, adding to the list of devastating losses, a motor was stolen from the property. It’s not just about the monetary value; it's about the emotional and sentimental worth of these objects, each one a piece of his legacy, now gone forever.
I took the initiative to survey the area myself with my drone, flying near Lakewood Hills where Kathleen resides. While I couldn't see the exact crimes, I saw the peaceful, tree-lined streets that once felt so safe, now shadowed by the knowledge of what has transpired. It always bothers me when good people, who have contributed so much to their community, are forced to endure such negative and painful experiences.
The Danze family wants to do more than just mourn their losses; they want to empower their neighbors. They are asking all Lexington and Davidson County natives to be aware and vigilant, but their plea is most urgent for the residents of the Lakewood Hills area. This isn't just about one person's tragedy; it's a wake-up call for the entire community.
This is a time to look out for one another. That's what a true community is all about. It’s about being the eyes and ears for your neighbors, especially for those who are most vulnerable. It's about a simple wave, a friendly conversation, and the shared responsibility of protecting the place we all call home. We can work together to ensure that what happened to Kathleen doesn’t happen to anyone else. By staying alert and reporting any suspicious activity, we can restore the feeling of safety and security that has been so cruelly taken away. Let’s show the Danze family, and all our neighbors, that our community stands strong together.
