Bad 'stealing' problem

There is something very wrong going on in this county and it needs to be addressed. This area has the worst “stealing” problem that I have ever seen anywhere. In fact, it is out of control. Thieves sell stolen items so that they can use the money to gamble or to buy drugs and alcohol. 

Recently, there was an effort to electronically link the pawn stores with the police departments in an effort to locate stolen property. This effort was struck down by local officials because of the concern that the pawn stores might obtain too much personal information on individuals who are selling or pawning items. But what about the civil rights of victims of crime? 

Like so many other people living here, I have had personal items stolen. When the police arrived, they said, “Do you have a video?” and “Did you see who did it?” This is usually the end of any investigation. 

Anyway, I sincerely believe that another reason that stealing is so rampant is because our officials are worried that local crime statistics will run off tourists. Stealing needs to be more vigorously prosecuted here! —Sinowa Cruz, Kalispell