A recent tragedy in Portland highlights the real-world consequences of policies that downplay the importance of holding criminals accountable. A motorcyclist lost his life when he collided with a semi-truck at an intersection where the traffic lights were out. The reason? Someone had stolen copper wire from the traffic light box, disabling the signals.
This incident isn’t just a random act of bad luck. It’s a symptom of a larger problem: a growing leniency towards petty crime that is creating a dangerous environment for everyone.
For years, Portland has struggled with rising crime rates and a feeling that lawlessness is becoming the norm. One of the key issues is the way the city handles misdemeanor theft, which includes things like shoplifting and stealing property of lower value.
A new report shows a big drop in the number of these cases being prosecuted. Misdemeanor theft cases have fallen by 60 percent between 2019 and 2023. This means that many people who commit these crimes are not being charged or held responsible for their actions.
Some point to Oregon’s bail reform law, passed in 2022, as making the problem worse. The law encourages jails to release people accused of minor crimes very quickly, sometimes within hours of their arrest.
The result is a “catch and release” system, where criminals are caught but not effectively punished. A local business owner whose stores have been repeatedly targeted described the frustration, saying it’s often the same small group of people causing the most problems, and the current system is not stopping them.
When people are not held accountable for petty theft, it sends a message that such behavior is acceptable. This can lead to a breakdown of law and order, where more serious crimes become more common. The tragic death of the motorcyclist in Portland is a stark reminder of the potential consequences.
A society that doesn’t take petty crime seriously is a society that is putting its citizens at risk. When people feel they can get away with stealing or damaging property, it erodes the sense of security and respect for the law that is essential for a safe and thriving community.
It’s time for leaders in Portland to rethink their approach to crime and start prioritizing the safety and well-being of their citizens. This means supporting law enforcement, prosecuting criminals, and sending a clear message that crime, no matter how small, will not be tolerated. Only then can the city begin to restore order and prevent future tragedies.
