what to do about crime

Do tougher laws help the crime situation? Does gun control help? What of the death penalty?
http://www.washingtontimes.com/commentary/20060826-101822-1650r.htm

>>11
Because we all know the world would be a better place with more chatty dudes who know everything about marijuana and messing with McDonalds and that such people are to be envied? I want you to do anything you want except commit crime, I merely wish to persuade you that sucking cock for heroine or sucking up to people some guy on irc talks about or whatever the hell you are doing is pretty depressing.