[HarryHirsch]

> Why is it okay for people to steal stuff in cities, but not in small towns?

My explanation is that in cities there are more people living in a small space, there are simply more thieves in any given area, and also more opportunities for them.

However, those who leave stuff in cars create an ecosystem for thieves to operate in, and they should please stop doing so, giving opportunities to thieves may result in more thieves.

[ISL]

When my car was recovered, the responding officer showed no interest in fingerprinting the car, or really investigating at all.

We should expect, and be willing to pay for, better from our public services.

The cycle of moving mountaineering gear to and from my car solely to prevent theft uses up ~1/2 hr a week of my life, and provides utility to nobody.

I won't steal your stuff, even if you leave it in plain view in your car; it's yours. Please don't steal mine.

Looks like there's room for improvement in the US...

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_bur-crime-burglaries

[Evbn]

Does the gear fit in your trunk? Or are you an unfortunate soul with a hatchback?

[ISL]

I'd prefer to see it as fortunate to have a wagon. Sleeping in the back of a sedan is a real bummer, especially for two.

Hard to carry lots of stuff, too ;).

[r00fus]

Even my hatchback has a pull-over cover that hides the contents.

Also if you're putting into your trunk do so before you arrive at your parking destination... many stories about people seeing you hiding stuff and then knowing there's something to steal.