New Wave Of Police Taking Valuables From Unlocked Cars To Teach Lesson

Activist Post – by Amanda Warren

Connecticut news stations are reporting that “police will now be going into to cars and removing items that would attract thieves.”

Oftentimes, a person will by accident hit the button to unlock the doors or accidentally release the trunk. Oftentimes, the person will return only to have their faith in humanity restored when they see their valuables are still there. Not with the East Rock police in New Haven – now residents will be punished for their forgetfulness.  

New Haven police stated intentions to “send a strong message” and by removing the valuables are “forcing residents to make a trip to the police station to pick up belongings.”

Officers “will take them to keep them safe from would-be burglars” Ironically, the way they are keeping the item “safe” is by burgling.

Obviously, this brings up clear 4th amendment violations. However, Connecticut claims a loophole under state law that allows law enforcement to take valuables in plain sight without a search warrant and with the intention of safe keeping.

One wonders if “lessons” aren’t learned by people who leave car doors unlocked – and get their stuff stolen. Not that they deserve to have their items taken by criminals or police.

What the news and police aren’t telling you about the break-ins

When you hear about car break-ins from your friends and around town – what usually happened? A window was smashed in. A lock was busted.

While police claim that there were eight car break-ins in one neighborhood and that they now must teach people this lesson for their own good – could it really be that so many people in one neighborhood simply left their car doors unlocked? Could it be that word didn’t get around about the break-ins and people in New Haven obliviously kept their doors unlocked as though they lived inMayberry?

The police and the news are conspicuously leaving out the nature of the vehicle break-ins.

Secondly, if police are able to grab the valuables then it means the valuables were not being grabbed by crooks just yet. Is this really crime prevention or is it just beating criminals to the punch?

Previously, Kristan Harris reported that police in Illinois were opening unlocked car doors – but even they stopped at leaving a “Gotcha!” card. The card was to let the driver know that if he or she wanted to, the officer could have taken the valuables. It was unclear how far the very real “Gotcha” program reached. Curiously, when Harris called to ask about the officers he was told they weren’t “real” officers, but were “community service officers.” What is the difference if they were arbitrarily given the authority to enter people’s personal property? Why are departments hiring peepers to enter cars?

Look how the news team trains the public to get used to cops entering vehicles and removing valuables. Are we back in Kindergarten?

Interviewees have mixed reactions – they feel uncomfortable but are not sure exactly why. Maybe it’s because the “lesson” being taught is a contradiction. How can you teach people about crime by committing crimes against them and making them fight to get their property back which is what they would have to do if they were reporting a legitimate crime. Perhaps the feeling of unease is the kind people get when they sense degradation. They are also getting the message that it’s justified for their items to be stolen if they forget to lock their doors, but really it’s never just – which is why it is a crime regardless of who does it.

Readers quick to say “who cares?” or blame irresponsible people must ask themselves about the omitted information and ask “why? why this and why now?”

When is it ever okay to supersede the Constitution and lose individual rights over the actions of criminals, idiots, or eager government? Or all of the above…

Amanda Warren writes for Activist Post – see her recent articles HERE

http://www.activistpost.com/2015/11/new-wave-of-police-taking-valuables-from-unlocked-cars-to-teach-lesson.html