Living just a few feet away from a military base in Washington, D.C., I experienced a break-in into my car last week. Fortunately, nothing of value was taken as I do not leave anything worth stealing in my vehicle. This incident reflects the current state of crime in the nation’s capital, which is exacerbated by flawed policies at both the local and national levels.
Recent news stories from the first four months of 2024 highlight the issue of rampant theft in the city. Retail stores like CVS, Harris Teeter, and Safeway have been forced to implement measures to combat theft, such as closing down stores plagued by theft, requiring customers to show receipts before leaving, and installing security gates to prevent retail theft.
The strict security measures implemented by these stores have had mixed results, with alarms going off frequently and customers feeling like they are entering a jail just to buy basic necessities. The high number of theft incidents in Washington in 2023 and the depletion of the police force due to overtime work have contributed to the rise in crime.
While city officials claim to be addressing security concerns, their actions may not always align with their words. Mayor Muriel Bowser recently signed an ordinance making marijuana tax-free in April and allocated funds for events like World Pride, raising questions about priorities in the face of rising crime rates.
Lawmakers at all levels of government should prioritize public safety above all else and allocate resources accordingly. Instead of focusing on virtue signaling, officials should dedicate all available resources to addressing the crime problem in Washington, D.C.
