“Montreal West’s porch piracy problem is met with police pushback on sharing evidence”
In an unexpected twist to Montreal West’s ongoing porch piracy saga, local police have warned against posting videos of thieves online, citing defamation concerns. As the advisory from the Quebec provincial police force, The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) focused on protecting the alleged perpetrator’s privacy, it ignited disbelief and ridicule among residents and online commentators.
Shocking Police Caution
“You cannot post the images yourself because you have to remember, in Canada, we have a presumption of innocence and posting that picture could be a violation of private life,” said SQ communications officer Lt. Benoit Richard, according to CTV News Montreal. Defamation, by legal definition, involves damaging someone’s good reputation through slander or libel.
Residents React
The police caution struck many as absurd, as it seemingly protects the privacy of criminals over the rights of victims. This statement led to a flurry of reactions online, with many expressing their disbelief at the situation. The irony of the situation is not lost on residents, as the very tools (security cameras) intended to deter thieves are now the subject of controversy due to potential legal repercussions.
Voices on Social Media
A wave of responses has been observed on platforms such as Twitter, each expressing its own sense of dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. Many seem to be echoing the same sentiment – that criminals now seem to have more rights than law-abiding citizens, creating a sense of dystopia and functional unease.
Understandable Frustration
The sentiment expressed online echoes the frustration felt by many who see the police’s warning as a step backward in effectively tackling crime. Many users posted similar comments, with shared concerns about how the situation could potentially hinder community efforts to deter and identify criminals.
Thought-Provoking Conclusion
“In a time where porch thefts are on the rise, as a FedEx survey indicates that 28% of Canadians have had a package stolen, the advice to refrain from posting evidence online seems to undermine community efforts to deter and identify criminals. Overall, 70% of online shoppers are at least somewhat worried about package theft.”
The concern raised by Lt. Benoit Richard is a valid one, but the reluctance to capture and report incidents of porch piracy threatens to undermine community efforts to deter, identify, and bring porch thieves to justice. Both sides raise valid points, but it is clear that a fundamental shift in perspective and understanding is necessary to effectively address this pressing issue.
Reference
