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6 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday,November 8, 2011 OPINION Can't cure stupid Two news releases from Halton Regional Police last week concerning thefts from autos left us perplexed. First, was the release announcing seven individuals are facing 73 charges in connection with thefts from autos in Halton Hills from May to October. In that release, police reported 320 incidents occurred from January-October of this year, up 19% from the same time period last year. The number of incidents involving unlocked vehicles was also up from 79% in 2010 to 86% in 2011. Milton, a much larger town, has seen significantly fewer thefts from autos. So, why are local residents having such a hard time grasping the fact that an unlocked auto is an open invitation to a thief? Police have preached the `lock it or lose it' mantra for years but the message is obviously not getting through to local residents. The second release which had us scratching our heads was the announcement of a police program to curb such thefts. As part of this week's Crime Prevention Week which runs until Saturday, officers will be attempting to educate the public about theft for auto crime and how to prevent it. To do that they will hand out `No Valuables on Board' signs, similar to the `Baby on Board' signs with the hope residents place the signs in the rear window of their autos to both act as a reminder not to leave valuables inside and....get this...to deter would-be thieves. Frankly this `award-winning' initiative strikes us as a bit silly. Certainly, would-be thieves won't be deterred in the slightest by a sign as they attempt to rifle through a car in the dead of night. Apart from fining theft victims who call the police after leaving their cars unlocked (admittedly not very practical) we can't see a solution to this problem. It is up each auto owner to exercise common sense, but unfortunately, that is something that can't be legislated. 905-873-0301 Publisher: Ken Nugent General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@theifp.ca) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@theifp.ca) Managing editor: John McGhie (jmcghie@theifp.ca) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@theifp.ca) Classifieds Kristie Pells (classified@theifp.ca) Accounting Rose Marie Gauthier Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@theifp.ca) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@theifp.ca) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@theifp.ca) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@theifp.ca) Letters policy Letters must include an address and daytime phone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Publication is not guaranteed. Email: jmcghie@theifp.ca Steve Nease Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Letters to the editor Support for peer shouldn't surprise Dear editor, I thought J. Saunders's letter in the Sept. 27 Independent & Free Press (Councillors show hypocritical side) to be a rather odd one. He finds fault with Moya Johnson, the mayor and several councillors for successfully obtaining more financial support for our hospital. At a time when health care costs are soaring and the economy is on the verge of tanking, it was no mean feat that they pulled off. Consider the demands on the government for financial help from hospitals all around the province like Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, Kitchener's Grand River cancer hospital, London's Ivey Eye Institute to name a few, and it becomes a bit of a marvel that the voices of Moya Johnson, the mayor, and councillors, were even heard, let alone getting us well-needed money. Their success says something about their attitude, tenacity, and commitment to our community. Something we all should admire and applaud. Elections seem to cause some people difficulty in holding onto their critical thinking at least that's the impression J. Saunders leaves when he criticizes councillors for supporting someone they have worked with for years. It is not unusual for friends to be supportive of one another, rather it is the norm. I'd be disappointed if they didn't. But to find fault with friends supporting friends is a bit mean-spirited. Reading the letter brings to mind an old Scottish saying that an empty barrel makes the most noise. It's all hollow and empty. Steve Ferris, Acton We appreciate the financial support we receive as 100 per cent of all funds raised go directly back to help the kittens of our communities. We place these kittens in our own homes to socialize them until they are ready for adoption at the Pet Valu in north Georgetown every Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A big thank you from our volunteers and especially from the kittens to the very generous citizens of Halton Hills! Elizabeth Bolton, Acton, Volunteer foster mom NHKR (www.nhkr.ca) WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.independentfreepress.com) The Toronto Maple Leafs are off to a good start this season but will it last? Which of the following best suits your view? · They're better, but still won't make the playoffs (38%) · They're for real and headed to the playoffs (34%) · It's an illusion that will be shattered by Christmas (28%) Purr-fect support Show a success Dear editor, On October 1-2, North Halton Kitten Rescue held its book sale at the Georgetown Market Place. The volunteers would like to extend a grateful thank you to all who donated books, purchased books and stopped to lend their support of our very worthy cause. We rescue stray, homeless and feral kittens from Halton Hills and without sufficient funding we would not be able to spay/neuter, vaccinate, microchip and foster these helpless kittens. They depend on volunteers in our organization, as well as other organizations, for their very survival. The Independent & Free Press The Independent & Free Press is published Tuesday and Thursday and is one of several Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Dear editor, The Halton Hills Quilters' Guild's 20th Anniversary Quilt Show (Oct 14-15) was a huge success, beyond our expectations. Sincere thanks to all who attended and to the businesses who displayed our poster and postcards, including our local quilt shop, The Hobby Horse, for also donating door prizes. Special thanks to The Independent & Free Press for much support, and to the entire show committee and volunteers who made it all happen. Mary Stewart, Publicity, 2011 Show Committee