Paper should report real crime, not petty items

To the editor:

I read your paper every day. No, you're not the St. Louis paper or any other large publication, but I find it hard to understand that reporters write about stolen sunglasses, scratched mailboxes, stolen electricity and other non-headlines that appear in your police report section. Why not report instead on the lack of police personnel and outdated police equipment. I find it hard to believe that a city the size of Cape Girardeau can't afford proper equipment or manpower. Meanwhile, you report on frivolous items in your police section. I am appalled that you waste your talent with that type of information. Yes, it's newsworthy to report real crime, but do it when you have real crime. A scratched mailbox is not crime.

RONALD BRITTAIN

Advance, Mo.