Crime does not pay

Dear Editor,

I just read the Express tonight on July 6 and noticed that there were seven crime stories on pages 4 and 5.

My feeling on this can be summed up in one word—troubling. Some of these crimes, when solved, indicate that one or more persons was on parole or probation when the crime was committed.

Simply put, crime does not pay. When the judge allows parole, the next time up in court, the person on parole can expect a stronger than usual sentence.

Also, let us see how much it pays. Two people rob a store at gunpoint and get $2,000. This is split two ways at $1,000 each. A five-year sentence means that each person made $200 per year for their trouble. A poor return.

Much of this money is used for drugs. This is not necessary.

Much help is available for someone hooked on drugs. Rather than steal or rob, tune your radio to CFRB 1010 AM on any Saturday night to a program called People Helping People from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.

If you want to get off drugs and stay out of jail, this is your answer. No cost to you and you stay away from adding to a criminal record.

I hope you see this and are smart enough to try an alternative to something that does not pay in the long run.

Philip Dawson