Soft-on-Crime Policies Exact Heavy Toll on Communities

Opinion: Crime's ripple effects go far beyond just the stolen goods, costing jobs, tax revenue, and economic vitality.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:19pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass from a car window, the harsh lighting and dark background creating a stark, gritty aesthetic that conceptually represents the investigative nature of property crimes and their ripple effects.A shattered window reflects the harsh realities of property crime's broader impact on communities.Chicago Today

In an opinion piece, the author argues that 'soft-on-crime' policies in major cities are having a devastating impact that goes far beyond the direct costs of individual crimes. While high-profile cases like the theft from actress Ursula Andress grab headlines, the author contends that the true damage comes from the broader chilling effect on commerce, jobs, and economic activity as businesses and residents flee areas perceived as unsafe. The author cites personal experiences and observations of how crime has transformed neighborhoods, shuttering stores and restaurants, costing tax revenue, and driving people out of cities.

Why it matters

This story highlights the broader societal costs of crime that often go unrecognized. While the direct financial losses from individual crimes may seem relatively small, the author argues that the ripple effects on jobs, tax revenue, and economic vitality can be devastating for communities. Understanding these hidden costs is crucial for policymakers seeking effective solutions to address crime.

The details

The author uses the example of a personal experience with a car break-in to illustrate how a relatively minor theft can have much larger consequences. Beyond the direct cost of the stolen items, the author had to take time off work, pay for window repairs, and ultimately stopped shopping at that mall, contributing to a broader decline in economic activity in the area. The author also cites the high-profile case of actress Ursula Andress, who was swindled out of millions, to show how even large-scale thefts can have a chilling effect on investment and commerce more broadly.

  • In January, Swiss actress Ursula Andress publicly announced she had been swindled out of 20 million Euros.
  • The Italian police were able to recover the stolen funds, which had been converted into real estate and fine art.

The players

Ursula Andress

A Swiss actress most famous for her roles in two James Bond films, who was swindled out of 20 million Euros by her investment manager.

John F. Di Leo

The author of the opinion piece, a Chicagoan who has observed the impact of crime on his city and surrounding suburbs over his lifetime.

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What they’re saying

“Every crime hurts – usually much more than the dry statistics would indicate. And a wise government would recognize this, and crack down harder than ever, instead of living in denial, and gaslighting an understandably nervous public.”

— John F. Di Leo, Opinion Contributor

What’s next

The author calls on policymakers to take a harder stance on crime and stop denying the problem, in order to protect jobs, tax revenue, and economic vitality in their communities.

The takeaway

This story highlights the hidden costs of crime that go beyond just the stolen goods or funds, impacting jobs, tax revenue, and the overall economic health of communities. It argues that 'soft-on-crime' policies are exacting a heavy toll and urges policymakers to take a tougher stance to protect their cities and suburbs.