This past March, Elizabeth Kaye, the Village of Farmingdale's new deputy clerk/treasurer, left work and headed to Waldbaum's on Main Street to shop for dinner for her family. She paid and loaded the groceries into her car. She was about 15 minutes into her drive home to Glen Head when she noticed that her pocketbook was missing. She looked into the backseat where the groceries were and did not see it. She checked on the floor of the car and much to her dismay, did not see it. She came to the distressing realization that she must have left it in the shopping cart at Waldbaum's. She quickly turned the car around and headed back, fearing the worst. She started to run through all the things that she would have to do: stop the credit cards, put a hold on the checking account, get a new license, and countless other inconveniences she would be subjected to. She worried about someone stealing her identity and even that someone knows where she lives and everything about her. Just think about what you carry in your pocketbook or wallet! She pulled up to the cart return bin where she had left her cart. There was no pocketbook. This, of course, came as no surprise to her. She parked, checked the parking lot and traced her steps back to the store. She sprinted up to the customer service desk. She told the teenager behind the counter what had happened and waited for the expected response that she knew would make her life miserable for the next few weeks. The teenager reached to the side and handed her pocketbook to her. "Some guy gave it to me," the teenager said. Shocked and almost speechless, Elizabeth took it and began to take inventory. She expected to at least see that her credit cards and money were missing. To her complete astonishment, nothing was taken. Nothing! She breathed a huge sigh of relief and a sense of euphoria took over. She could not believe that nothing was taken - not even a cent. She quickly asked the clerk if there was someone she could thank and even reward as a small token of her appreciation. "He didn't give me his name and I don't know if the guy is still in the store," the teenager responded as he turned to take care of the next customer. Ms. Kaye took her pocketbook and walked back to the parking lot very thankful that an honest person found her pocketbook. Of course I am very pleased that this true story had a happy ending. Unfortunately many stories like this don't. While attending the Farmingdale Community Summit Expo last month, I met the POP Officers from the Nassau County 8th Precinct, who showed me new posters that they will be providing that say: Help Us Help You -Don't Leave Your Valuables Unattended. While Ms. Kaye inadvertently left her bag, many thefts occur because people leave their pocketbooks or personal belongings unattended in their cart, on their car seat or on the store counter. There are thieves who prey on this type of behavior. They are watching and waiting to capitalize on your carelessness. They are waiting for that quick second to steal your belongings. While Ms. Kaye's nightmare was averted, you may not be so fortunate. Please do not leave your valuables unattended. By doing so you will prevent your own pocketbook nightmare!