The problem is that the jails and prisons are so overcrowded, these criminals know that even if they get caught for petty theft or shoplifting, they won't spend much time if all behind bars as long as they are not considered dangerous offenders, so they keep doing it as soon as they are let out.

i agree with every one of you. crime to some is an easy way out of a tough situation, quick fix so to say. to others it is a way of life. i have a friend whos parents are loaded and work very hard and always have. he gets whatever vehicle he wants and they have given him houses to live in and he steals, he is in prison now for theft of property. it is just his character. idiot

Sense the Good lord created this monster he hasn't come up with a cure for crime. How do you expect mere mortals to do so. It is a human character flaw. No amount of parenting will fix it either. All we can do with it is try to correct it by the laws that are put in place by the people that were voted in to office. See how well you are voting. Always ask the person your voting for his policy on criminal justice. Being a responsible citizen demands it. Do you drive blindfolded. Don't vote that way.

I retired 4 years ago and have found that you can't hardly make it on what you draw,So i went back to work part time getting up a 3:00 a.m.It isn't easy but at least i am not stealing from someone else.People won't work if thy were offered a job only steal when they need a fix or what ever.Make an example of these thugs and put a stop to this nonsense tie a sign around their neck and put them on public display.

@ Tired..you make a very valid point. The economy is so bad and people are having hard times finding jobs or their jobs pay squat so they steal. NO that does not make it right. I'm blessed to have 2 jobs to support my kids and I. I stay involved in their life and teach them how working and earning your own money pays off later on. Everyone struggles but its what you do with your struggles and how you handle your struggles that makes a difference. I'm very angry with our legal system and voting is key. People need to vote as well as pay attention to the ballads. Crime does not pay off and we need harsh punishments for these criminals that take from us hard working people. I'm more then tired of this crap and crime paying off.

As long as Arkansas keeps allowing criminals to basically get away with crime (little jail time, if any) then crime will continue to rise. Punks will be punks, thugs will be thugs.

some are gonna steal no matter what...some are gonna steal to feed their familys...be sure and vote in the upcoming general election

I totally agree arkansas yankee, these self-entitled thugs with no up-bringing need some serious prison time

Lock 'em up and throw away the key. But no, the state will allow them out on the streets again in a few years so that they can go back to doing what they do best - crime. They probably needed the money for drugs, another reason they should be locked up forever. Oh, and by the way, the sex offender - put him in a cell with the biggest meanest lifer you have in prison, and he'll get all the sex he wants! LOL