What do you think is the proper punishment for "smash and grab" robberies? How about for robberies with a deadly weapon?
By The Horse
@TheHorse (231124)
Walnut Creek, California
October 5, 2025 8:17pm CST
As most of you know, I am a political "moderate." I could never support a political Fascist, but nor do I support violent criminals. You know that I have worked in prisons, and that I have had exposure to criminals, most of them involved in drugs.
When I listen to the news here in the San Francisco Bay Area, I often hear of "smash and grab" robberies, where criminals drive a stolen SUV into the front of a jewelry store, and take as much as they can before the police arrive.
I also hear of "armed robberies," where a person with a weapon tries to take cash or other material possessions from another individual.
What do you think are the appropriate penalties for people who commit these kinds of crimes? I woud like to see 20 years be the norm for smash and grab criminals. For those who would rob someone with a weapon, I would like to see 40 years be the norm.
What are your thoughts on these matters?
16 people like this
13 responses
@kaylachan (79783)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
6 Oct
I do think we need to punish them, sure, but I'm not sure that locking them up would work. What do they gain from losing their freedom? What lesson do they learn? What's stopping them from re-offending? I feel the punishment should fit the crime. They need to learn they can't keep doing this. In the case of smash and grab, I'd say take away their abbility to not only drive, but own any kind of car or vichicle that's not a bicycle.
Deadly weapon, not sure, but.... we need better laws in general that are federally mandadated that states can't easily twist, but then in lies the problem. Our country's fractured because each state has the right to self-govorn. so even federal laws, like dui.... is different depending on which state the crime is committed.
More federaly mandaded punishments, that are country-wide, might hold up then a guessing game.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (79783)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
6 Oct
@TheHorse I do to, for the most part. But, when it comes to things like crimes, this system isn't working. You can commit the same crime in different states, and depending on what state you commited the crime in, that's the punishment you get. And, it makes it hard to know what to expect, when it comes to a lot of things. Like here in Florida, you can turn right on red, but in other states that is the same as running a red light.
It makes it confusing knowing what you can and can't do if you decide to travel. What rules you're expected to follow, and so on. If we had a standardized system, we might have less people behind bars for stupid things. But, that's probably the only thing demegratic I tend to agree with. I'm all about freedom, but when it comes to the law.... people need to know what is and isn't okay.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (231124)
• Walnut Creek, California
18h
@kaylachan I doubt anyone would do time for turning right on a red. Once, in Manhattan, a traffic cop yelled at me, "Hey, California, this is New York. No right on red." We both laughed, I apologized, and that was it.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (103888)
• United States
6 Oct
@TheHorse Because it’s just not warranted. And it would surprise me if you really thought smash and grabs should get that much time. I can’t stand thieves, but if no weapon is involved, and we’re not talking millions, I’m not putting you in for thirty. Now, millions? Different story.
Quite frankly, I’m so sick of thieves, violence, and crime overall, you could lock them all up and throw away the key, and I wouldn’t bat an eye. I’m tired of having to be vigilant because of human fleas. I’m tired of having to walk with my largest key between my fingers in case today’s the day I become a statistic, I’m tired of my dad urging me to carry pepper spray. I’m tired of sending packages to my dad because my neighbor stole mine. I’m just tired.
2 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (38523)
• Toccoa, Georgia
Just now
@TheHorse Yes, I agree. I have thought that a lot lately.
@snowy22315 (197077)
• United States
6 Oct
Since alot of these people who commit these types of crimes are juveniles sending them away for 20 years would be quite harsh. I do think they need to pay restitution and be in some kind of community diversion program if they are first time offenders. Repeat offenders should get 10 years in my book..
1 person likes this
@crossbones27 (51299)
• Mojave, California
6 Oct
Are you experiencing these or hearing about these is first. Sounds personal. I live next door to smash and grabs and my city does not really get those, it is richer than most but have no clue what smash and grabs are here. I am pretty sure if people saw what happened in next town over most people would not live here.
@wolfgirl569 (123250)
• Marion, Ohio
6 Oct
I haven't thought about it much. I say lock them all up and leave them.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (202526)
• United States
6 Oct
40 years for robbery with a weapon is fair. I'm not sure about the 20 for smash and grab crimes. I like Judy's suggestion to go take some of their stuff.
1 person likes this
@mynameiskate (2645)
•
10h
I am serious about this topic. Punishment no. A thief that steals an SUV does not want to be caught, the jewels stolen is a paycheck. Give the thief a job. A job is work that enables a person to live. A thief's job heist should never pay as well.
Armed robberies are a protection as well as an assurance that the thief can safely do his job and be taken seriously but it comes with great risks. Once a weapon is discharged the crime moves on to another court for another discussion.
