Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

Fallbrook needs more law enforcement

It’s comforting to think of Fallbrook as Small Town USA with “howdy” neighbors, July 4 fireworks, Hot Summer Nights and a Christmas parade. Those things are a fact and we’re lucky to have them. But our town has acquired another fact that needs to be faced and confronted. We need to start smelling something other than apple pie and start recognizing the difference.

We read about a bank robbery on the front page of the Village News. Not always as evident is the increase of other crimes being committed here. Crimes like gang beatings and home invasion burglaries. What does it say about this town when an older woman is robbed in the early evening as she leaves Rite Aid, a young couple is robbed leaving the theater in Bonsall and the cemetery gates need to be locked all weekend?

The Sheriff’s Log repeatedly lists burglaries and stolen cars. One issue in September listed 95 crimes in a two-week period. If you look at the incidents each week you will notice that the only arrests being made are for disorderly conduct or “under the influence” cases. Not surprising, since our Sheriff’s station is understaffed.

During a community meeting with a Sheriff’s Department representative, I asked about response time. With only four cars on patrol in what I recall being said was a 106-square-mile area, the answer was not good. I think this community needs to recognize that additional law enforcement is a necessity for today’s Fallbrook and steps must be taken to obtain it. Perhaps with that addition we can join Oceanside and Vista in the real world and begin a documentation of gang members.

I would guess that for those who have been victimized here, this is not a friendly village. Hayrides and parades notwithstanding, Fallbrook is not the village of 40 years ago. It’s not even the village of 12 years ago and it needs to be looked at with something other than rose-colored glasses.

Bonnie Wright

 

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