Editor, the Times:

I couldn't believe what I was reading ('Cops crack down on theft by fining drivers', Times, Jan. 5).

A fine for leaving my keys in my car? Really? Let's see how ridiculous this line of thinking is when we apply that logic (and fine) to frail old ladies for carrying their purse carelessly on their shoulder.

Would that mean that they're to blame for their purse being snatched?

Or would we consider something punitive to hand to women sporting cleavage and Lulu tights for causing sexual assault crimes?

Of course not, so let's not lose sight of who's doing the crime here.

It bothers me that our authorities want to take the easy way out and punish the victim for their naivety, stupidity, or trust in others.

In this case, a quick educational chat by the officer would do.

But no doubt ICBC keeps pushing the feet of police forces toward the fire to do something about reducing the corporate cost of auto theft.

One of the perils of socialized insurance is (its) ability to create and justify such distorted acts of social policy. I was stunned to read that the Motor Vehicle Act Section 191 (2) already has a provision that allows the police to enforce this fine.

However as the old saying goes, and the police should know this all too well: just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Thanks, but I'd rather pay for the related costs with my ICBC premium than pay to have this line of thinking further erode our personal freedoms and the rights of victims in our society.

Scott Banman, Mission