I love the Op-Ed section of the paper. I believe we all need to write at least one letter on something we’re passionate about in our lifetime. In saying that, I applaud this reader

Re: “Organized retail theft is costing WA millions per year” (Nov. 29, Opinion):

I have empathy for the losses suffered by retailers but not so much any taxes “lost” by the state. I’ve wondered, in fact. how much theft adds to the state’s economy/tax collection.

When retailers replace windows, doors, cash registers and purchase security, additional costs/taxes are required. When I had my purse stolen (going into a retail store) I paid a replacement fee for my driver’s license and vehicle registration. I paid for the service of and taxes on re-keying my house and car. I paid for a new purse and the items in it. When my car window was smashed at a local trailhead, I paid for a new window. When fellow citizens lose their cars and numerous other items, more purchases, higher insurance premiums and taxes are generated.

How much do these forced repurchases add to our economy? What if taxes/fees were waived following these loses (and a filed police report) for the state’s failure to halt these massive losses? Would we see a more serious response to crime?

Jackie Linehan, Auburn