Re: Is theft becoming impossible?

From: Randy S (cryofan@mylinuxisp.com)
Date: Thu Sep 04 2003 - 11:50:00 MDT

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    BillK <bill@wkidston.freeserve.co.uk> said:
    Bill K wrote:

    > On Thu Sep 04, 2003 08:50 am Randy S commented:
    > >>
    > >> But aren't something like 3/4 of all people in American jails in
    > >> there for drug offenses?
    > >>
    >
    > >From US Department of Justice:
    > http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/cvict_c.htm#property
    > "Property crime makes up about three-quarters of all crime in the United
    > States."
    >
    > So tagging everything would stop three-quarters of all crime!!!
    > Can this be possible?!
    >

    I will go along with the idea that 3/4 of all crime in the USA is property
    crime. Here in Houston, it is very common for wretched teenagers to break car
    windows and steal stereos. Also, anything loose in the back of a truck is
    stolen posthaste. However, virtually NOTHING is done about these crimes.
    The police will literally sneer at you if you ask about catching them. And if
    you catch them and hold them at gunpoint until the police arrive, they just
    let them go (underage). I know, my neighbor did just that.

    However, the original statement said (or implied) that most of the people in
    PRISON were there for property crimes. Big difference between the percentage
    of crimes committed (teenagers stealing stereos) and the percentage of people
    in prison.

     
    > Again from US Department of Justice:
    > http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/prisons.htm
    >
    > Percent of sentenced State inmates
    > Most serious
    > offense 1995 2001
    > Total 100% 100%
    > Violent 47 49
    > Property 23 19
    > Drug 22 20
    > Public-order 9 11
    >
    > This says that property theft is only about 20% of the prison
    > population, but there is an analysis problem here. Many violent or drug
    > prisoners probably committed thefts as well, but are analysed by their
    > most serious offense.
    >

    Interesting. But I wonder about the numbers of prisoners in FEDERAL prisons.

    > Once criminals realize that tagging property means certain capture and
    > conviction, then violent robberies will stop also.
    >
    > It all sounds rather useful to me.

    Actually, I like the idea. I think we ought to have GPS-enabled tracking
    devices on our proeprty AND on our persons. And video cameras everywhere. And
    national ID cards. I think it would greatly enhance our quality of life. 

    -- 
--------------
-Randy

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