JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. - There has been a rash of burglaries in Josephine County and those thieves aren't going to jail. Budget cuts and the failed tax levy are putting those criminals back on the streets.
"We've had to turn burglars loose and of course they turn right around and commit crimes again," Sheriff Gil Gilbertson said.
Thieves are just being cited and released, no different than a parking ticket but the sheriff has no choice.
"If there's no money, there's no employees, if there's no employees, fact is crime is going to run rampant and we're starting to see that," Gilbertson said.
Now a group of community members are coming together with plans to save the justice system.
The group, Securing Our Safety, is made up of city and business leaders, law enforcement and concerned citizens, those who voted for the levy and against it.
"The goal of this group is to look for answers, whether that be finding new sources of funding, looking for new options, talking to people in the community, trying to rebuild trust in our leadership," member David Smith said. "That has already generated some great ideas, some of which are being put into place now."
"If we all join together, we can all make a difference together," member Christine Schmidt said.
The group has been brainstorming ideas since the tax levy failed. They have been talking about solutions such as bringing in more businesses, utilizing natural resources and timber, sales tax and a smaller property tax increase.
They want to talk about and hear even more ideas from everyone in the community who is willing to share. Securing Our Safety is also in the process of becoming a non-profit.
For more information about the group and how you can share your ideas with them, click here.
Related Stories
- National News
- International News
Automotive
Find valuable information about buying your next car, including price quotes and your latest automotive news.
We Know Why You're Awake
We Know Why You're Awake. We can help.
Closings & Delays
Check here for closures and delays.
Community Calendar
Looking for something to do? Check the events calendar.
Gas Prices
Gas prices are on everybody's mind. So News10 is working with Gas Buddy to help you find the cheapest gas in the area.
Word of the Day
The Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo is sponsoring our "Word of the Day" contest. Click image to see details!
2013 Last Band Standing
Enter this years Last Band Standing! Click to enter online and find out about the contest.
No Text Zone
Help make our roads safe and you could win prizes! Read the official rules here!
KTVL Top Stories
Business News
US durable goods orders rise 3.3 percent in April
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. orders for long-lasting manufactured goods rebounded in April, buoyed by more demand for military and civilian aircraft and an increase in business investment.
Consumer Info
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
"HANGOVER 3"
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- All hangovers come to an end eventually, and so, too, "The Hangover" franchise.
Get This
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: RESTAURANT FLAP LEADS TO INTERNET MELTDOWN
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- It isn't exactly to curry favor with your restaurant customers -- even if your specialty isn't curry.

