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Drop in crime rate good news
Tuesday July 8 2008 In the newspaper business, we’re often given the unfortunate task of reporting negative or disturbing news.
Car accidents, violent crime, corrupt politicians, increasing prices and a myriad of other not-so-pleasant topics often blare across the headlines.
We don’t make it up. That’s just what’s happening in your community or world at large. And, most of the time, there’s a lesson to be learned from what we report on.
But amidst the negativity, there’s often a nugget or two of uplifting or positive stories that are just as important.
Such was the case with the latest crime statistics released by the Orangeville police, which cited close to a 12 percent drop in reported crimes.
The majority of this decrease is attributed to a reduction in property crime and violent acts. Newcomer Chief Joseph Tomei credits this drop to the community’s relationship with the police, along with the skills of the officers who make up the force.
There’s still much work to be done when it comes to property-related crime, which made up the largest proportion of reported incidents.
Property crime leaves a large imprint on the psyche of those affected by it. Be it arson,  break-and-enters, vandalism or simple mischief, the people who are victimized don’t forget easily. The loss of trust or comfort in their daily lives is the result, never mind the inconvenience of dealing with the material aftermath.
There are often also financial ramifications, not only to the property owner but the community as a whole. For the victim, it’s the direct cost to repair whatever was damaged or taken; the community pays through rising costs in property or automobile insurance.   
Even simple acts of mischief, like pouring soap into the community fountain, come with a price. City workers are required to clean up the mess, which means they’re taken away from other much-needed work.
So kudos to the police for their hard work, and kudos to the community for working with them, but when it comes to the people committing the crimes, a big hearty boo goes to you.

North Peel Media Group Newspapers: The Brampton Guardian Caledon Enterprise Independent & Free Press Orangeville Banner