If you want the definition of vigilance, it’s this Norwegian couple being good citizens and reporting a sound that sounds an awful lot like guns.
It’s sad to say, but if I reckon the average person in the United States knows the nuanced difference between real gunfire and a backfiring exhaust. As per Norwegian Local News, Harstad Tidende, on their report on this cautious couple in Norway they reported on earlier this week (Sept. 25,2018) local police got reports of gunfire in their vicinity, a pause for concern given how rare gunfire is in arguably, one of the most peaceful countries on planet earth. But, when they went to investigate, thankfully, they found out an Opel Ascona was to blame, more specifically a faulty exhaust system.
The report came from Bø, Telemark, a remote village and municipality in Telemark County, Norway. With a population of 5,977, very few people live near each other and traditional culture thrives. As such, any disturbance is immediately reported to local authorities.
Police received tips from a woman in Bø who thought she had heard a shot on Friday night. Saturday, her cohabitant must have heard the same thing. The two experienced it very uncomfortable and contacted the police.
As mentioned, when police investigated, they found out that it was just an Old Opel. The article goes on to mention they got into contact with the car owner, confirming its registration and proof of ownership. Upon further investigation, they found out that a faulty exhaust system was to blame although a faulty spark probably should’ve been investigated as well.
Norwegian police have since ordered the Opel Ascona owner to fix his exhaust system as soon as possible to rectify the situation.
This isn’t an all too uncommon occurrence. Although I mentioned the United States being keen to the differences in sound between a gun and a car, that’s always not the case.
In fact, just three days ago in Hawaii, an entire High School went into lockdown after a car backfired blocks away.
Its good people report things. Never be afraid to err on the side of caution.
