To the Editor,

Thefts from homeowners and businesses are on the rise but the arrests of the criminals are declining.

I read in the paper this past week where thousands of dollars worth of tools were stolen from vehicle sparked at motels in Lumberton. Everytime I pass by these motels I feel like putting up sign saying “Do not stay here; you will be ripped off or your vehicle vandalized.”

Thefts are also on the rise for homeowners. I have a relative who lives in Lumberton and he has been ripped off twice by the same group of theives. The first time he did a better job than the police and recovered his property. The second time they hit him for thousands of dollars and had the equipment to cut four locks on a building and garage.

Please keep in mind that these theives waited for him to take his grandchildren camping to commit this crime. He presented an eye witness who told where the stolen items were taken, but to this date the only item recovered was his trailer used to carry away the merchandise. This item was recovered by accident, not by police work.

This individual has given a great deal to the city of Lumberton and other organizations. I feel like all victims should receive more help in recovering their propery. I know the police and sheriff’s department may be short on help but homeowners are fed up and deserve better. When these individuals receive their checks from the insurance companies they are only a fraction of what the merchandise was worth. Worst of all, some items that are stolen cannot be replaced. These items only have meaning to the victim.

Geraldine Lowry

Pembroke