Regarding the Dec. 27 letter, “Time to get serious about theft, DUI”:
While I agree that car thieves should be punished, even on the first arrest, I do not agree that car thieves should go to jail. Jail is a treat for most criminals. Jail offers free meals, color television, warm shelter and an opportunity to network with other criminals.
Here is my punishment proposal for car thieves: First, the state budget will purchase a workshop for the criminals. This workshop has all the materials necessary to clean and “detail” automobiles, trucks, boats, etc. When a car thief is arrested, the punishment is a one-year mandatory service at the state-operated detail center. Anyone can bring an auto to the state-operated detail shop. “Inmates” are allowed to keep a portion of the proceeds that they will earn while working to detail cars and trucks.
The punishment for stealing a car is that the thief must wash, wax and otherwise clean the victim’s car once a week for a year. The inmate would be required to go to the victim’s house, pick up the car that they previously stole and take it to the detail shop. The inmate returns the car within a four-hour period, gas tank full. With this plan, the victim realizes a benefit and the thief realizes the punishment. And, the state-operated detail shop makes a profit generated by the convicts. The profit will go directly into the prison operating budget to offset the public cost.
The average person will be wishing that their car will be stolen next! Of course, not all thieves are caught, but this program will send a message to the car thief community.
Mark Hartwell
Marysville
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