Reports of recent smash-and-grab crimes are extremely disturbing. If such crimes are not prevented and if criminals are not prosecuted, then property rights in America will be eroded.
In the United States of America, individuals have the right to own private property. America is a nation of laws. This means that the state must enforce laws to ensure that private property is protected.
Recently, several smash-and-grab crimes took place in America. In Los Angeles, a group of suspects stole thousands of dollars of high-priced purses from a Nordstrom store, and also assaulted a security guard.
In Lakewood, California, a smash-and-grab incident took place at Home Depot on Black Friday. In this case, the suspects left with tools such as crowbars and sledgehammers.
Bottega Veneta, a high-end store in Los Angeles, was also robbed on Black Friday. It was reported that the suspects used pepper spray during the robbery.
Smash-and-grab robberies also took place in Illinois and Minnesota, where businesses such as North Face, Footlocker, Boost Mobile, Canada Goose, and Best Buy were the targets.
These incidents are causing alarm among businesses and consumers. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert.
Smash-and-grab robberies, sometimes taking place in broad daylight, are a threat to property rights. Commercial activities must never be disrupted by criminal acts.
News of smash-and-grab crimes make people fearful. If businesses are not protected from such crimes, then law-abiding Americans will be afraid to engage in commercial activities and will be unwilling to invest money in the economy.
People will be afraid to visit stores and malls, for shopping or work, if they think that smash-and-grab crimes can happen anywhere and put their health and safety at risk. A recent robbery resulted in the tragic death of a security guard for television news crew.
Security experts have said that lack of prosecution has resulted in increased levels of such crimes. To prevent smash-and-grab robberies and to ensure a safe, business-friendly environment, laws must be strictly enforced and criminals must be prosecuted.
People work hard to earn a living. They take risks to invest in job-creating businesses. Businesses and consumers engage in economic activities that lead to growth and prosperity. All of these depend on the fact that the rule of law protects private property. But if criminals can simply grab whatever goods they want from private businesses, then the entire economic engine will come to a screeching halt.
Smash-and-grab crimes must not be tolerated. Elected officials and law enforcement agencies must deploy all available resources to prevent such crimes from taking place. They must protect property rights.