Lately I have noticed an increase in theft trends. From wallets, and money to little things like cigarettes. It seems that what people could once easily afford, they are now having to do without. For those who cannot except being forced to sacrifice, they take any given opportunity to take what they cannot purchase. Of course, thieves are present when the economy is during an expansion, but now they seem to be coming out of the wood works. Middle aged hard working adults who would normally make every attempt to find the owner of lost property will now make the opposite decision and disregard what they have always represented. It is sort of a primitive response to their surroundings; a certain "kill or be killed" type of methodology.
To say this does not mean that if the apocalypse occurred today that I wouldn't do everything in my power to ensure my child's safety and survival. Despite what people may believe today, we are not experiencing the apocalypse right now. Things could be much, much worse. Are we on the verge of such a cataclysmic event? Maybe. But, it isn't right now so there is no excuse for such behavior. There are resources for those who are in need and there are still people giving despite of the economic restraints. To try and justify stealing at this point is simply erroneous.
I investigated a wallet theft that began about two weeks ago where an unknown subject simply swiped a wallet from an elderly man at an ATM. He took the $225 in cash and turned the wallet in trying to salvage his demised character. Well, he got caught. I saw the shame in his eyes as he made restitution and kept repeating how he "knew it was wrong". Well, if you knew it, then you shouldn't have done it, right? Well, we will see what the prosecutor wants to do with the man. I was satisfied just being able to tell the elderly gentleman that his money had been returned.
With times changing and not improving, it is that much more important that people hold on to their values and morals and not resort to behavior that will only worsen the world and teach our children that dire situations permit irresponsible actions.
