I think Dave Barker’s idea for stores to issue membership cards that would be required to enter is brilliant [“Stopping the Rampant Shoplifting,” in the June 21–27 edition of “The Readers’ Turn”]. A guard at the entrance would allow only those with cards to enter.
If the civil and legal authorities refuse to regulate crime, the stores should do it. If they want to prevent the collapse of downtowns, they have to step up and protect their investment.
Another tactic would be to stop the thieves in the midst of their robbing to tell them they need to pay for the goods by attending six classes where they would learn the difference between right and wrong. Don’t let them leave without getting their personal info.
How many of them have ever been taught anything about the reason for laws, and how to live in a civilized society? Tell them they are hurting people by their actions, and that is evil.
It seems no one wants to take responsibility to teach proper behavior, or to punish the wrongdoers.
Crime has consequences. Criminals need to be confronted, stopped and punished accordingly. Civilized people do not rob, steal, vandalize, set fires, hurt others, and create mayhem. Civilized people do not allow others to do these hateful things.
Joan McKinley Massachusetts
