The hidden cost of public theft stack up

Several years ago, the Grand Coulee Dam School District decided to fence off its “bus barn” near the baseball field in Coulee Dam due to repeated thefts happening at night.

Earlier this month, as city officials gathered at the Delano Transfer Station to learn about their new equipment, a good sized $50,000 wood chipper obtained with a grant, transfer station manager Randy Gumm wondered aloud about the advisability of keeping it there; he’s had a lot of problems with theft.

Other city officials from Grand Coulee, Coulee Dam, and Elmer City spoke up about the problem of not having enough indoor space to house equipment and protect it from thieves. They steal fuel, batteries, and more. Catalytic converters on your tailpipes have been popular targets.

On Monday, someone stole the whole tractor from the cemetery.

Unfortunately, our community may be just catching up with many across the country, and the cost is not limited to the specific items stolen. We also have to spend a lot on more infrastructure to protect the property that belongs to the public, all of us.

After the meeting where Gumm spoke up, the group found another spot to store the new chipper, but that meant another piece of equipment would move outside until another solution is found.

Ask not for whom the crime costs stack up. It’s all on us.

Scott Hunter

editor and publisher