With the ever-increasing use of social media, it’s often hard to decipher if issues that have always existed are getting worse, or simply more public than they once were.
Having sat in a couple of meetings in the past six months, where local RCMP talk about crime statistics, it’s likely that there has been some sort of increase in property crime in the area, but I struggle to understand if it’s truly a significant increase.
According to the last meeting I sat in, it could be assumed that a slumping economy meant there would likely be in increase in theft, and similar property crimes. Although areas such as lake lots were often being targeted, the statistics I heard didn’t shock me into thinking I was living in a world where I should be continually watching my back.
But, more and more, I’m seeing Facebook posts about people having their personal property taken. Their homes, yards, and garages are being violated. Children are having bikes stolen, while business owners are missing tools, and I’ve even heard of pets being taken.
Theft isn’t a new idea. It is part of living with other humans, sadly.
However, outing thieves on social media is a newer phenomenon. Sometimes there are benefits to this information sharing - stolen items are found, but likely, no one is punished for the initial wrongdoing.
I often feel that a person who is at a point where they are willing to steal from others, likely won’t be bothered by shame from a stranger on Facebook.
But, I can’t ignore the fact that every time I log in to Facebook, I see more reports, more people feeling unsafe in their own homes and yards.
When we lived in town 10 years ago, I had my car broken into once for the purpose of theft, and a second time, a window was smashed simply as an act of vandalism. I think most of us can relate to how it feels when someone purposely and forcefully crosses that line.
So what’s the solution? I’m not sure. I don’t think it’s a form of vigilante justice though, which I’ve seen posted, as people in the heat of the moment vent to hundreds of their “friends” on Facebook.
Maybe it’s being a better neighbour and knowing your neighbour. Watching out for each other, and creating that sense of community that sometimes gets a little lost in our hectic lives.
Maybe it’s in helping, rather than criticizing, so people who are in need are confident enough to ask for help, rather than act out of desperation.
In a struggling economy, there are certainly people suffering, but theft happens even at the best of times. Sadly, the days of leaving your doors unlocked and toys, tools and other belongings strewn across your yard, appear to be over.
I hope there’s a way to bring those days back, create more confidence in our society, and take a step toward solving an issue that not only eats up a lot of resources, but also causes a lot of fear and disappointment.
