Some big cities have put out a whole list of crimes where police will not respond. For example, suppose someone breaks into your car, but is gone before you notice it.
The police will not respond. You’re just told to report it by phone.
At some point, people will say, why bother reporting? And then the crime stats magically improve.
I read earlier this week that one jurisdiction has begun fining shop owners for calling the police too often to report shoplifting and purse-snatching in their stores.
"Hello police? Someone is breaking into my home. Please send help." Police: "No officers are available to respond at this time."
Burglary where I live:
"Hello? Metro Waste Authority? I've just shot two burglars. Do I call the police or can I just put the bodies on the curb for garbage pickup?"