08-05-2008, 09:25 PM
:cop: How about the pay for our city employees who fight to keep our city safe. :cop:
Chief says bad economy causing rise in crime
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
Article published on Thursday, July 31, 2008
PINELLAS PARK – The nation’s spiraling economy is not only causing bills to pile up. It also is creating a spike in many types of crime such as burglaries, robberies and domestic incidents.
Just recently police were forced to shoot and kill an armed man who was despondent over health and financial issues after he allegedly opened fire with a revolver and rifle.
The three police officers involved have been cleared of any wrong doing.
Police Chief Dorene Thomas said it is not unusual for crime to rise during hard economic times.
Thomas said people are experiencing difficulties paying rent, mortgages and routine bills. Some even are facing financial problems putting food on the table. So people are turning to theft.
“We are seeing a lot of metal thefts now,” Thomas said.
People are stealing copper tubing and other parts right out of air conditioners and even from utility poles. Police have a good working relationship with area metal dealers who call authorities if a shipment of metal looks suspicious.
In at least one Michigan city police are trying to stem a run on manhole cover thefts. They fetch about $20 each from metal dealers, but cost approximately $200 each to replace.
“Domestic problems also is on the rise since the economy went into a decline,” Thomas said.
Couples argue over money because they can’t make ends meet. With skyrocketing gasoline costs the price of food and other essentials have risen dramatically in recent months.
“Money, or the lack of it, is one of the main reasons for domestic assaults and other problems,” Thomas said.
To add to the misery, Thomas said, some people forced out of their homes move in with friends and relatives. The closeness of many people together causes tempers to flare. The result is domestic batteries and other problems.
Some working poor people turn to food banks and other charities that distribute free canned and other goods. The facilities, however, are experiencing a downslide in donations.
“There are more people in need and less food and other assistance to go around,” Thomas said.
Police are starting to see more store thefts of essential items such as food and clothing. Burglaries and other crimes that include purse snatchings and muggings are starting to increase.
There also is a rise in pawn shop activities, some of them illicit, Thomas said.
Article published on Thursday, July 31, 2008
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved.
Chief says bad economy causing rise in crime
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
Article published on Thursday, July 31, 2008
PINELLAS PARK – The nation’s spiraling economy is not only causing bills to pile up. It also is creating a spike in many types of crime such as burglaries, robberies and domestic incidents.
Just recently police were forced to shoot and kill an armed man who was despondent over health and financial issues after he allegedly opened fire with a revolver and rifle.
The three police officers involved have been cleared of any wrong doing.
Police Chief Dorene Thomas said it is not unusual for crime to rise during hard economic times.
Thomas said people are experiencing difficulties paying rent, mortgages and routine bills. Some even are facing financial problems putting food on the table. So people are turning to theft.
“We are seeing a lot of metal thefts now,” Thomas said.
People are stealing copper tubing and other parts right out of air conditioners and even from utility poles. Police have a good working relationship with area metal dealers who call authorities if a shipment of metal looks suspicious.
In at least one Michigan city police are trying to stem a run on manhole cover thefts. They fetch about $20 each from metal dealers, but cost approximately $200 each to replace.
“Domestic problems also is on the rise since the economy went into a decline,” Thomas said.
Couples argue over money because they can’t make ends meet. With skyrocketing gasoline costs the price of food and other essentials have risen dramatically in recent months.
“Money, or the lack of it, is one of the main reasons for domestic assaults and other problems,” Thomas said.
To add to the misery, Thomas said, some people forced out of their homes move in with friends and relatives. The closeness of many people together causes tempers to flare. The result is domestic batteries and other problems.
Some working poor people turn to food banks and other charities that distribute free canned and other goods. The facilities, however, are experiencing a downslide in donations.
“There are more people in need and less food and other assistance to go around,” Thomas said.
Police are starting to see more store thefts of essential items such as food and clothing. Burglaries and other crimes that include purse snatchings and muggings are starting to increase.
There also is a rise in pawn shop activities, some of them illicit, Thomas said.
Article published on Thursday, July 31, 2008
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved.