What Would You Do?
A minor conundrum.
The county has been installing a traffic light at an intersection I jog by everyday. Monday they finished everything up with the intention of activating the traffic light today. Early Tuesday morning I jogged by the big, silver box that contains all the traffic light control electronics and noticed that the workmen left the keys to the control box in the lock. They were just sitting there much like anyone might leave their house keys in the front door. There were no workmen around.
As I ran by I wondered "Should I take the keys or not?" Anyone, including inquisitive children, could get into the electronics if I left the keys sitting in the lock. Electrocution or vandalism might result. On the other hand, if I take the keys, what do I do with them? Maybe the guy who left them would come back. What if he got fired for losing them? In the perverse ways of the world, might I get in trouble by having the keys in my possession?
I decided to take the keys. I called the county public works department but they never returned my calls. Today on my way to work, I saw the workmen activating the traffic light and was able to return the keys. They said thank you.
So what do you think? Should I have left the keys?
K-
I would have kept an eye on the keys for a while to see if anyone else noticed them or tried to retrieve them. If nothing happened, I would have taken them and done what you did.
That the county didn't return your phone call is disgraceful. Aside from that, clearly you may have saved the entire metro area from some electrical pranksters. You should be proud of yourself.
Marie, I agree 100 percent. I believe I'll have a laurel wreath sent to me.
K-
I think you did the right thing. I would have done the same.
I'm sure when you handed the keys over they were greatful they landed in your lap... even if they didn't say.