Pubdate: Fri, 29 Jun 2012
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 The Vancouver Sun
Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Patti Milsom
Page: A12

METAL THIEVES TARNISH REPUTATION OF 'GREEN' CITY

Re: Hot metal, Tuesday through Saturday series

While our mayor proudly beams over our "greenest city", it appears we
are being robbed blind, with metal theft now added to the list of so-
called victimless crimes.

Never before in the history of Vancouver have we seen this amount of
stealing, from individuals' property to telephone booths. This kind of
crime often goes unreported and is thus not reflected in official
statistics, but insurance rates go up and everincreasing security
measures hamper many of our freedoms.

Theft has become an acceptable practice and any legal consequences are
frowned upon because the culprits' addiction is considered a factor in
their crimes and is viewed as an illness.

Stolen metal is the currency today's thieves are using to purchase
their drugs, but the courts have become exhausted as they walk the
tight wire between enforcement and acceptance. Harm reduction policies
have inadvertently given thieves a free pass; as a consequence
Vancouver can hardly call itself a "green city" because the costs of
replacing and repairing stolen items will most certainly continue to
increase our carbon footprint.

Patti Milsom

Vancouver
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MAP posted-by: Matt