Stealing from needy is lowest of crimes

There are crimes and then there are crimes. But the individual responsible for stealing donated aluminum cans from the Sikeston YMCA fits into a very special category.

The YMCA here has had the aluminum can donation site for over two years. Proceeds from the sales of the cans help children and families within the community. The program generates money but it also generates pride and participation.

But lately, some ignorant low-life has decided that stealing the cans aimed for the underprivileged is an easy target. These lazy thieves take the generosity of others and turn it into cash in their pockets. And given the nature of the crimes, these culprits will try again. But the police are watching. They will be caught.

I would like to think the thieves were reading this column and would mend their ways. But that's undoubtedly not true. They don't read newspapers. They steal from others. And taking money from those in desperate need puts them in that special crime category.

These thieves aren't kids out for a good time. It's someone who is stealing and converting it to money. A recycler should recognize someone with a large volume of cans, I would think.

This is not the crime of the century. But it speaks volumes for an individual when they would stoop as low as this theft is. And yes, they will be caught. When they are, they need to be held accountable. And they need to be held in public scorn for stealing from children.

The YMCA should be commended for their can campaign. The money is important. And when someone comes along and steals these charitable donations, the entire community suffers.