One of the great fears for people is theft from people entering their homes to do work. As a former plumber I remember the ever-watchful eyes of homeowners as they watched me unclog their sink or repair their shower head.

Let me just state that this fear is not unfounded!

A Chicago-area home repairman was charged with felony theft after he allegedly tried to hide the evidence – by swallowing it. I can assume he swallowed it whole.

Thirty-year-old Wilfredo Gonzalez was helping remodel a home in Cicero, Illinois, last week when he allegedly stole a diamond ring the homeowner had left in her bathroom.

When she realized the ring was missing, the homeowner had her husband confront Gonzalez, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.

The repairman at first denied taking the ring. Then the confrontation turned into a physical struggle as the owner knew Gonzalez had pocketed the ring. The good repairman then pulled the ring out of the place he had hidden it and swallowed it.

Police were called and took Gonzalez to a hospital, where a stomach X-ray revealed the missing ring working its way down his gastrointestinal tract. The missing ring was retrieved (not sure how).

Gonzalez faces up to three years in prison if convicted.

Common people – show some common sense. Do not act like uncivilized animals!