[cstejerean]

That seems like something people in SF tell themselves about why it can't be any other way. But deterrence works. If petty crimes are being aggressively policed the the volume of crime will be much lower. The volume is only high because criminals know there are no practical repercussions.

[boomerango]

Just look at Singapore.

Or, closer to home, examine theft rates in cities which recently raised the grand larceny threshold (looking at you Oregon and Washington…) and the explosion of misdemeanor theft. My employer (a fortune 100 retailer) is actively exploring breaking leases as shrink rates have approached 50% in some locations.