Last Friday, Feb. 9, between 6 and 8 p.m., friends were having dinner at Sapori D’Italia. During that time, in typical smash and grab fashion, a car window was crashed in and two large suitcases were ripped out so violently the handles were torn off. It just so happens those suitcases belonged to visitors in town from Vietnam.

Among others, they were the director of the School of Nursing, Ho Chi Minh City University, and board members. The suitcases contained all of their personal items, $1,100 cash, cameras, phones, passports and, most importantly, computers containing the director’s doctorate dissertation.

A Sheriff showed up in 30 minutes, but another two or three hours went by before someone returned to file the police report. The visitors were guests of Vital Links, a medical assistance mission sponsored by Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran. Fortunately, generous members of SOTH rose to the occasion and donated the funds to cover the replaceable items and a passport miracle was performed.

This despicable act occurred in my town, to my great shock, embarrassment and disappointment. A little research reveals at least seven other crimes occurred here in that same two-week period. It certainly appears the criminals have discovered what a pushover, under-policed community we are.

In recent times, under the current Sheriff administration, support for and participation in the posse has diminished markedly. Like it or not, those cars gave us the high-visibility impression of a police force much larger than we actually have. Without that backup, I question if we can continue to be protected with the minimal coverage that was adopted during the cash shortages of the Great Recession.

This situation and the money to mitigate it must be identified and allocated in the upcoming 2018-19 budget.