CRIME PROBLEM MUST BE SOLVED

After a considerable investment in the renovation of a site on State
Street, I have been forced to give up because of repeated break-ins by
drug addicts. Several times, security plywood over doors and windows
was pried off and stolen.

Also stolen were the back door, burglar door, steps in the back,
window units and plumbing fixtures. Interior walls had the sheet rock
yanked off so that the thieves could steal studs.

These addicts have done $1,000 in damage to get items they sell for 50
cents or $1 so they can buy crack or alcohol.

Neighbors see them doing these crimes but do not call the police. They
say things like "I'm scared to" and "That's your problem."

Property crime, especially at job sites and vacant houses, is rampant
in this neighborhood. Drug criminals flock here to take advantage of
the gross apathy. ("They're not hurting me," said one neighbor.)

This apathy is caused by ignorance of its consequences.

These addicts have all but ruined the tranquillity and reputation of
this neighborhood. Most neighborhoods would tolerate a dope pusher
less than a rattlesnake in a child's sand box. The neighborhood must
be educated to feel the same.

The solution is long term but solvable. It's solvable because the
apathy is an honest mistake. Nearly all of the people in the
neighborhood are honest, decent and friendly. They realize that
legitimate, meant-to-help criticism can often be beneficial.

I am requesting two things of the Mobile City Council: to resolve that this
problem is unique and intolerable, and to appropriate funds for its remedy
(which perhaps could include a massive publicity campaign anor hiring an
expert on this social problem).

Thomas Thames

Mobile