Vandals steal our sense of well-being

Cape Girardeau car owners can sleep a little more easily after two Sikeston men were arrested in connection with a series of car break-ins. Police say the evidence against them is pretty damning: They were caught in the act with a car full of stolen electronic goods.

The break-in spree began two months ago and focused on thefts of car stereos from dealerships, so officers began staking out businesses that could be targeted. Finally, police were in the right place at the right time.

But Lt. Carl Kinnison, police spokesman, concedes the case isn't closed. There could be two groups, he said. And strings of vandalism and theft cases during the two months differed somewhat. Residential areas were targeted in some of the 60 total cases -- car after car in neighborhood after neighborhood.

The worst: 26 cars had windows smashed the night of Nov. 10. Thieves broke car windows to get cell phones, radar detectors, stereos and CDs. Much of the damage was along Perry Avenue and side streets. For one victim, it was the third time his car had been targeted in two months.

Because some thieves may still be at large, the Cape Girardeau Police Department is keeping its task force to investigate the matter. It is made up of five detectives and patrolmen working together to catch all offenders.

And "offenders" certainly is the best word for the men or women doing this, because the crime is offensive. It is an offense against citizens of Cape Girardeau who worked to get what they owned instead of stealing it. Even worse than the thefts is the costly property damage. And for what? A cell phone? A radar detector?

Ferndale Drive resident Al Atchley summed it up perfectly: "I don't enjoy spending money out of my own pocket to fix it, but my big concern is people's attitude. People don't seem to care about other people's property anymore."

It is tragic when in Cape Girardeau, where many choose to live because of the feeling of safety and protection, residents have to wake up wondering whether their cars will be in one piece or whether they have been victimized by some ne'er-do-well looking for some fast cash.

However, while the police do their jobs, it is important that drivers use good common sense. The threat clearly is out there. It is best to empty cars parked outdoors of any valuables their owners want to keep.

And, eventually, those found guilty of these crimes should be sentenced to the maximum punishment possible, not for stealing a few valuables, but for robbing a community of its sense of well-being.