ATTN: Federal Way Wal-Mart store manager,

Do you tolerate shoplifting? What if an item taken from your store has a value of over $100? Would you prosecute?

The reason I ask these questions is concerning your shopping carts and how some people walk off with them, generally leaving them at nearby bus stops and the park-n-ride. I recently contacted the Federal Way Police Department about this matter and was told that they cannot arrest people that steal the carts because you (the store) will not prosecute for fear you might lose customers. My thought is, who needs customers that steal from you?

I feel the area littered with empty shopping carts make it look run down and dilapidated. All it’s missing is spray-painted graffiti to complete the look, and I’ve seen some areas that already have that. I was also told that some stores have volunteers that round up these carts, but my feeling is, why should other people be responsible for the actions of a small group? I say hold these people that steal from you accountable. Otherwise, it will continue, and they will feel it is their right to take the carts for their personal use. I also believe the cost of the stolen carts is passed on to the consumer.

I will be sending this same letter to Top Foods and Target in Federal Way. I would hope some action is taken by all of you to clean up the community of derelict carts.

Phil Pavlovsky, Edgewood