Is it just our imaginations, or are we experiencing an alarming up-tick in the number of thefts in the city?

It seems as though car break-ins and other forms of petty larceny are at an all time high. Why is this so? Most people we hear from are blaming the drug problem – specifically opioids abuse – for the sudden surge in crime.

Clearly, opiate abuse has grown to epidemic proportions throughout the region, and Somerville in particular has been hard hit with an extraordinarily disproportionate amount of overdoses and deaths due to the scourge of this pitiless addiction.

Our community is generally compassionate and patient. We recognize this problem for what it is, a disease that must be treated clinically, while we lend support and solace to those who are genuinely committed to turning their lives around and getting clean.

It’s more than a bit problematic when those who are afflicted show no such inclination towards bettering their situations, instead opting to continue being a drain on mainstream society, often resorting to criminal activities in order to sustain their habits.

Law enforcement authorities can only do so much to curtail the damage and loss that is occurring in our community. To a large extent, it is up to each one of us to look out for ourselves and our neighbors, to make sure that doors and windows are closed and secured. That porch lights are left on at the rights times. In short, we all need to pitch in and cover one another as we ride out this particular storm.