People need to learn there are consequences to their actions.

This week, I talked to Tom Rein.

Two weeks ago, Tom and his family were one of the victims in the string of robberies that were happening in late September up in North Suffolk.

Two doors were kicked in and some personal items were stolen from the family.

Eventually, two men were arrested for the crime, and some of the Rein’s possessions have been returned.

On the surface, justice is being done for the Rein family.

But there is still more to be done.

During the break-in, the family’s five-year-old chihuahua/rat terrier Buster was apparently so scared, he ran out the open doors and has not been seen since.

The Rein family has started a massive hunt.

The Rein daughters, Jessica and Ashlyn, have gone door-to-door asking if anyone has seen their dog.

Tom has searched through miles of woods and roads looking for their dog.

And after a story about the loss ran in the Suffolk News-Herald, commentators on the Web site posted offers of rewards for anyone who finds Buster.

It’s a sad story, and one that I hope comes to a happy conclusion.

As I was talking with Tom, and then as I was writing the story, I could not help but get more and more angry about the situation.

For one thing, I still cannot understand the mindset or the motivation for criminals in this community.

Crime is a dead-end road.

If my experience at this paper has taught me anything, it is that criminals inevitably get caught.

It seems like almost every other week we have an arrest in a cold case. For many crimes, hours after the crime is reported, an arrest is made.

The men and women in our police force are smart and dedicated professionals.

You will go to jail, and you will end up losing everything you spent so long stealing.

So, what’s the point?

If criminals would just put half the time and energy into their education that they do into getting their next score, then we would have an entire workforce of intelligent and capable individuals who could bring added revenue and experience to the city.

The real kicker is that for such a senseless line of work, so much pain is caused. I’m sure those men breaking into the homes only cared about their monetary gain in their robberies. They had no idea — nor did they care — the Reins would lose their beloved pet.

But that’s what happened.

The Reins are still looking for Buster. Anyone who has any information about where the dog might be is asked to call 651-0855. Buster is a male dog, mostly white, with brown markings. UPDATE: Buster has been found!

Lauren Wicks is a reporter for the Suffolk News-Herald. She can be reached at 757.934.9613 or at lauren.wicks@suffolknewsherald.com