Several of us bloggers and commentators have been speaking about how bad West Allis has become, or, has it always been that way? I'm the type of person who tries very hard to examine both sides to every story. So, in order to accomplish that, I've been trying to follow the crime related news stories and the good accomplishments that do surface either in print, tv or online. What I've discovered is that NO area of the city or county is immune to crime. Recently it seems that most of the crimes seem to be related to the hard times, poverty and joblessness that has become so pervasive all over the country. I'm seeing more crimes of theft. Groups of people swarming into a store, taking whatever they can and running out with their "loot" for example. I believe that we're going to be seeing more drive-offs at gas stations, especially with the price of gas rising again. The Dollar Stores are getting robbed oftener as are pharmacies. I've no doubt that there's more shoplifting happening too. Times are hard for many folks but that's not an excuse to steal.
It makes me wonder what causes a person to think that if I have something and you want it, it's ok for you to take it from me. Violently too, if I don't co-operate. This type of action is definitely NOT ok. It reminds me of the old bridal shower game of Take-a-way. I'm getting more emails telling me how to stay safe and how to defend myself against attacks. Are the current times really this bad or is it my imagination? I'm definitely not picking on West Allis either since crimes of theft know no boundaries. It was brought home for me this weekend when a good friend of mine reported to me that his van had been stolen. Now this van isn't anything spectacular. It was found yesterday with the driver's side window smashed, the steering column trashed and many items stolen. I often wish that I could be the proverbial fly on the wall or the germ inside the brain of thieves. Doesn't anyone have a conscience anymore? Whatever happened to old-fashioned guilt? Where did respect disappear to?
On this note, I hope everyone got their notice about the Neighborhood Partnership - Police meetings. They are divided according to the various named neighborhoods and will be taking place two times this year for each area. If you didn't get one or you have questions, call 302-8062 or give the RSVP of how many will be attending.
