Neighborly Distance
In this town, people lived relatively far away from each other, as cabin living tended to be more private than your typical city accommodation. As a result of this, nobody saw anything, and it was easier for the culprit to navigate between the homes in the dark of night. Locals worried that as the thief gained confidence and experience, they may be tempted towards more serious crime at some point.

Neighborly Distance
Unsafe In Your Own Home
Over time, the citizens of North Pond got used to the idea of living in fear and terror, adding security to their homes and avoiding leaving their homes at night. Some wondered if he was watching them at night, and people generally started to feel unsafe in what was usually a quiet and carefree town.

Unsafe In Your Own Home