For the third time in less than two months, gas has been siphoned from our truck leaving our gas gage on empty. The first time it happened I chalked it up to youthful pranksters. I didn't think much of it, but it's happened twice more. After the second such theft, my wife and I bought a locking gas cap; it turned out not to make ANY difference at all!
After the first incident, we've phoned the Aberdeen Police Department to report these thefts and the local police response has been negligible. Both times we've been assigned a case number and nothing else.
I realize we have a small police force and there are bigger fish to fry, but I was rather dumbfounded that the police wouldn't stop by to do something as small as dust the gas cap for prints. What if they catch a gas thief in the coming weeks? If they had fingerprints from numerous other such thefts, wouldn't they be able to match up the thief with a lot of crimes and thereby strengthen their case?
I suppose I'm more than a little irritated because, during the week of the port protests, I seemed to pick up a police tail every time I left my home. It seemed like within two or three blocks I'd find an Aberdeen police cruiser following me around town to such exciting destinations like the grocery store or the bank!
So how is it that the police had time for me when I wasn't doing ANYTHING illegal -- unless you consider free speech to be a criminal offense -- yet, when I'm the victim of a bona fide crime, they can't be bothered?
After the first incident, we've phoned the Aberdeen Police Department to report these thefts and the local police response has been negligible. Both times we've been assigned a case number and nothing else.
I realize we have a small police force and there are bigger fish to fry, but I was rather dumbfounded that the police wouldn't stop by to do something as small as dust the gas cap for prints. What if they catch a gas thief in the coming weeks? If they had fingerprints from numerous other such thefts, wouldn't they be able to match up the thief with a lot of crimes and thereby strengthen their case?
I suppose I'm more than a little irritated because, during the week of the port protests, I seemed to pick up a police tail every time I left my home. It seemed like within two or three blocks I'd find an Aberdeen police cruiser following me around town to such exciting destinations like the grocery store or the bank!
So how is it that the police had time for me when I wasn't doing ANYTHING illegal -- unless you consider free speech to be a criminal offense -- yet, when I'm the victim of a bona fide crime, they can't be bothered?
Do you have a sneaking suspicion that it is because of your involvment in the protest that your complaint is being dealt with in a less than timely manner? I do, but I'm a cynic.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I'd actually feel better IF I thought that was the reason.
ReplyDeleteAcross the street from me are some youth who love to race up and down 1st St. at high speed at all hours of the day and night. In a year's time, I have NEVER seen a police car at their house and I've NEVER seen a pd car pull any of them over, despite the fact, we live only 6 blocks from the pd.
This kind of lax attitude has been going on long before the Aberdeen PD had any idea who I was (I hope!)
Hmm. That is certainly discouraging, and frustrating.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, thanks so much for all of your insightful and passionate posts. It is an inspiration to read about how you apply your beliefs to your everyday life. I have only just recently been exposed to Taoism and the Taoist way of doing things, and reading about your experiences and practices helps me begin to put my thoughts and ideas into practice as well.
More proof that the people calling the shots in this country have their priorities SERIOUSLY out of wack....
ReplyDelete