We could probably do a tit for tat thing all day on stats, but overall, no matter how we slice it, crime is really not running out of control the way the media presents it. No stats by the FBI suggests otherwise.

As for the attacks on stores, this is a new type of crime enabled by technology. But, like all property crime, it's rooted in despair. I believe in coming to terms with the root causes of things, especially in this case.

Crime in rural areas is actually rising faster than in cities, which skews the overall data. Why is this happening? Because of rural poverty and drug/alcohol addiction. Root cause. Root solution needed.

EDIT: I may disagree with you a bit here, but I do enjoy your writing, so following now and I'll keep an eye out for more!