Phil’s Diary - [Blog @ http://www.philsdiary.net/]
Ok, so I’ve got the dreaded tax return done and sorted. The tax office people were quite helpful when it came to filling it in.
But then the real bummer. I find my car’s been broken into. They seem to have been about as considerate as someone breaking into your car can be, in that they broke the smallest window, and did no other damage.
They did steal something, but nothing of any real value to me.
I’ve got a crime number from the Police, used some bin-liner over the hole, and arranged for a repair and replacement on Wednesday morning (My insurance covers me on that front, and I only have to pay a small excess).
So, excuse me while I do the normal rant:
First, this wasn’t “opportunist” crime (there was nothing on display). This was “lets break into this car and see what we can find” crime.
I wouldn’t blame the Police. You can’t sit one in every car to guard it. They do their best to catch criminals, and once they do they do their best to get them sent away.
What really annoys me is the courts. In my opinion they’re just not harsh enough on the sorts of criminals who do this. It may seem like minor, anti-social behaviour. But it’s ruined my weekend, cost me money, and cost me time.
Why should the people who do this sort of thing be given a few hours community service, a second, or a third chance?
Everyone makes mistakes, so perhaps the first offence is a minor rap on the knuckles.… but from there on, I don’t think we’re anywhere near harsh enough. Chuck them in prison, heck send them to the firing squad - this society doesn’t need habitual criminals.
And as for kids. We’re not nearly harsh enough on those. In this country as far as I can tell kids can get away with pretty much anything they like with minimal consequences. That’s just plain wrong. Perhaps they really should be shot the second time. Do we really want habitual criminals as kids growning up and carrying on?
Anyhow. I’m pissed off and needed to vent. Feel free to comment if you think I’m being a bit strong.
Posted by Phil on September 15, 2002 05:00 PM | Categories: Lazy weekend
Sorry to read of the problems with the break in. I too have had a car broken in to. And I've also had our house burglarized three times in a one month period.
While I agree that putting these people in prison will keep them from doing unto others, it is also a very expensive thing to do.
Building and mainting prisons are so expensive that our state actually exports prisoners to places on the mainland.
So even though the most effective thing to do is to put them in prison, it just costs too much.
Aloha - Dan
Posted by: Dan Seto at September 17, 2002 8:15 PM
Thanks Rob.
You're right, a harsh sentance would probably still not act as a deterent. But if it takes them out of the loop, then that's almost as good an idea.
Posted by: Phil at September 16, 2002 1:18 PM
Really sorry to hear about the break in Phil, I've had 1 car broken into and one stolen so I know the anger / frustration feelings well.
Having also seen the drama on TV last night I do have mixed feelings, if it is actually a realistic representation of life inside. It seems many of them learn their lessons but equally as many don't. Persistent (I mean, as you say, more then once) need harsh treatment but whether it will ever be enough to act as a deterrent I doubt it.
Posted by: Rob at September 16, 2002 12:58 PM
I'm glad I'm not the only person thinking that way at the moment.
Coincidentally there was a TV Drama on last night, about the problems a young offender suffered. As it happened I had no sympathy whatsoever.
Posted by: Phil at September 16, 2002 8:50 AM
Phil - Rat Awn, bro! No sane society or individual would tolerate, much less support body lice. Criminal recidivists are just that - lice on the body politic, and should be permanently eliminated by the most efficient menas possible. We would not try to "rehabilitate" body lice. There is no more reason to attempt to "rehabilitate" (and encourage) the parasites that criminal recidivists are.
A properly functioning society seeks to protect itself - not its parasites.
Regards,
JHR
--
[JHR@WarlockLtd.com]
Posted by: JHR at September 16, 2002 8:37 AM