The Northwest Voice

I was disappointed to read Sgt. Bill Adams' response to the recent vandalism in Shilo Estates. To say that he is "less concerned" with small acts of vandalism, that vandalism causing greater financial damage stands apart morally, is to completely miss the big picture. Every vandal starts small. Every vandal commits their first crime-the first time they egg a car or slash a tire. And every vandal that escapes discipline from parents or local authorities will consider committing another crime.

The immorality of vandalism is not defined by the amount of monetary loss incurred. The immorality of vandalism is found in the heart of the vandal: blatant disregard for the well-being of their neighbor.

Respect for property is taught throughout childhood-from the time I instruct my two-year-old not to take another's toy, to the time I ground my teenager and make him pay for damage caused during a "harmless" prank. Maybe if local authorities made fighting smaller crimes a priority, many kids would be frightened out of committing larger ones, and learn some lessons about respect and care for their neighbors in the process.