Dear Editor,
[RE: Suspects allegedly steal more than $1,400 worth of meat and fish from Maple Ridge store in an hour, The News, www.mapleridgenews.com]
I read this article carefully and was struck not only by the brazenness of the crime, but by what was missing.
Nowhere in the report were the names of the suspects mentioned. This raises a serious and troubling question: why are the identities of alleged criminals protected, while the community bears the consequences of their actions?
These individuals were reportedly caught in possession of stolen goods. This is not a case of vague suspicion or rumour. Yet the public is told nothing about who they are, while local businesses absorb losses, prices rise, and honest residents are left to feel increasingly unsafe.
The phrase “innocent until proven guilty” is vital to a fair justice system — but it should not be used as a shield to erase accountability or silence public awareness.
When crimes are committed openly and repeatedly, secrecy only emboldens offenders and undermines trust in the system meant to protect us.
Many citizens now feel that our justice system prioritizes the comfort and anonymity of offenders over the rights of law-abiding community members.
When crimes result in little more than a slap on the wrist, and identities remain hidden, what deterrent is left? Who, exactly, is being protected — and why?
Transparency matters.
Communities have a right to be informed about criminal activity in their midst, and to feel that consequences are real and meaningful.
Without that, public confidence continues to erode.
S. Parker, Maple Ridge