Editor:
Re: Fine those who invite property crime, letter to the editor, Feb. 5
I really felt I had to respond to the letter from Jeff Stack about fining people for failing to lock their cars or homes or leaving items in plain view in their cars.
Although, of course, it is unwise to leave something Editor: Flower Pearson you value unattended, it is always the fault of the thief and never the victim.
I think our culture needs to move away from victim blaming. After all, if someone steals the plants from my garden, is it really my fault for putting them out there? No, of course not.
We all need to feel safe where we live, and the fact most of us do, even though it may sometimes cause us to be victims of crime, is a big part of what allows us to enjoy that small-town feel that we all love.
Living fully involves risk. I am not suggesting we all leave large piles of money on our sidewalks but please don't blame the victims of crime. As a reformed thief myself, that's exactly the sort of thing I used to tell myself - and it's garbage.
Flower Pearson
