Many believe that misdemeanors, petty theft and shoplifting are the birthplace of criminals. There are nearly 1,800 outstanding arrest warrants just in Arvada.

How many of these thefts have happened to your family and friends?

Animals, appliances, bikes, cars, cash, catalytic converters, cell phones (including ID theft), Christmas displays, cigarettes, computers (including ID theft), construction site equipment, copper, credit cards, designer clothing, groceries, guns, jewelry, keys, laptops (including ID theft), lawn ornaments, liquor, medications, motorcycles, motor vehicles, musical instruments, porch pirates, purses (including ID theft), scrap metal, shoplifting, tablets (including ID theft) , tools, traffic tickets and wallets (including ID theft…)

Here are my suggested changes in crime ordinance for your local magistrates to tollow. What they are doing now isn’t working.

Raise the court costs to $125

Raise bond minimums to $2,500

Prosecute illegal drug paraphernalia

No personal recognize bonds on second arrest

Raise the penalty to $250 for each court no shows

Allow surety bonds to help the low-income individuals

For first time theft convictions, maximize the penalties

Mandatory sentencing for missed probation appointments

Mandatory jail time or ankle bracelets for repeat offenders

Inform people and HOA’s to illuminate the outside of homes

Add more license plate readers to catch more stolen vehicles

Do not reduce the penalties or points for speeders over 15 mph

Maximize and mandate penalties on crimes that were once a felony

Magistrate mandates jail or ankle bracelet on second arrest warrant

Budget police salaries and benefits to be in the top three municipalities

For second convictions, including juveniles, mandate maximum penalties

Do not dismiss or reduce charges on second convictions. Either add to the sentencing or make them run concurrently

What caused a $1 million one-year reduction in Arvada court revenue? Police understaffing does not account for all of it

Mandate maximum penalties on catalytic converters and those thefts that reduce one’s ability to make a living like tools, laptops cars, etc.

Allow Magistrates to order house arrest ankle bracelets, send to Correctional Facility for mental or addiction issues, or penetentary when appropriate

Track reductions, dismissals, types of crime, sentencing, etc. in prosecutors’ office and the court to better understand and deal with crime so the public, staff, city council, and police know if the city is lenient or serous about crime.

Reduce any anger. Go online and review your community’s crime ordinance.

Most City Councils are liberal but will take crime sentencing seriously with just a few voices.

Thankfully, I am invited to meet with Arvada’s Magistrate, City Manager and Chief of Police on these suggestions. Will let you know how it goes.

Please help to reduce the number of criminals roaming our neighborhoods.

Ed Tomlinson, Arvada