This crime problem is nothing new.  It is ever expanding and moves from area to area across the state.  Concentrated enforcement on the Kenai Peninsula results in a rate drop there and an increase elsewhere.  Property crimes to support drugs is everywhere.  A shortage of Troopers is only part of the problem.  The other part has to do with the current liberal "Dr Spock" attitude not only in politics but the entire Judicial system.
Drug use is to escape reality!  Yes it is addictive, but like alcoholism, which is a drug, no one can be "forced" to rehabilitate!  They personally have to want it and work for it.  

Crime is always going to be with us, but reducing punishment, reducing Law enforcement, and even making certain drugs 'legal', will never solve the problem.  Unless we totally eliminate all Law Enforcement, and go back to the instant justice of the Old West, where the people eliminated the problem on the spot, will the crime rate be decreased.  

Liberalism at its finest indeed.