Last night, Kristallnacht once again came to Federal Way. The annual smashing of car windows, heralded by security alarms, woke the Campus Woods neighborhood.

Like a tornado, the destruction path was random; my vehicle escaped this year, while my neighbor’s across the the street did not. When he called 911, he was told that it was not an emergency and no patrol car would be dispatched.

I could have saved him the bother. When my rear window was smashed a couple of years ago, I was informed by the police that it was a regular event during the week after the last day of school. Just a little celebratory vandalism — insurance will take care of the damage.

OK, I get it. Property crime is not a high priority, and the perpetrators are quick and difficult to catch.

But not every elderly citizen can afford comprehensive insurance on his aging Crown Victoria. And the same police are very familiar with this area, as they often stake it out with speed traps.

What I don’t get is, if indeed this is an annual event, wouldn’t it be possible to anticipate?  Surely apprehending even a few miscreants would send a message, especially if they spent a night in the slammer and were required to pay full restitution.

Lawlessness begins small and expands to fill a void. Federal Way’s reputation is surely not enhanced by allowing a few wild teens free access to destruction. Public safety at home is a legitimate target of enforcement. Ending this absurd ritual would send a message without compromising the constabulary from its more remunerative activity.

Reed Hackett, Federal Way