> The amount of copper thieves is finite.

If that were true, we could simply wait for them to all die out and be done with the problem for good. And since that won’t work, this claim can be dismissed.

That's one interpretation, sure.

Mind you the US already has globally record setting levels of retribution in the form of imprisonment, death penalties, broken justice system etc.

Perhaps it's worth looking at other G20 countries with lower crime rates, less economic disparity, police that carry minimal weaponry, etc. and ask how is they appear to be doing better.