Thieves Walk Among Us

To the Editor:

I read with dismay and horror that in our midst lurks one who is willing to risk incarceration, humiliation, and public scorn so that he/she could indulge in that lowest form of self indulgence — a Mad Max trilogy marathon.

I call your attention to last week’s story of the purloined Booth Library video donation. A theft of brazen proportions that begs the question: what has become of our town? We must come together as a community and do something; perhaps a committee could be formed.

I am however willing to take the opportunity to point a finger. What many of you have suspected is true, that in Newtown there exists a professional video jacking ring. These people steal our most desired videos, spirit them to an underground garage, one without windows, where they strip them of their parts and ship the dismantled assemblage overseas. These parts are then sold on the black market to willing consumers, whose own videos have broken down or have been in an accident.

While this portrait of Newtown is not what some would like to see painted, we must all open our eyes to the truth: thieves walk among us. This being said, I am sticking it out and will not flee my home. For after all, I believe it is still nicer in Newtown.

James Swift

11 Cedarhurst Terrace, Sandy Hook                        August 25, 2004