Rotorua Daily Post

Site raids show soft on crime has failed

Brazen building site raiders targeting high-ticket Gib plasterboa­rd, timber, heat pumps, diesel and copper wiring are so rampant throughout New Zealand that some builders have resorted to sleeping onsite.

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I guess when the Government singularly focuses on equity, those who feel they don’t get equitable results go out and take it for themselves. Look at what’s happening in the US. So much for working hard to improve your lot. Just go out and take what you want.

— Mark C

This situation makes me furious. What sort of society have we become when thugs and thieves can ruin the livelihood of law-abiding citizens who are trying to provide for their families and make something of their lives?

Further questions arise in my mind. Are these thieves the same people who have been engaged in ram raiding and other thieving? How many of them are repeat offenders who were caught and just let go?

When these thieves are caught and found guilty in a court of law they should be imprisoned irrespecti­ve of age and their names should be published.

Don’t give me the “prison does no good” response. If taking criminals out of circulatio­n means law-abiding citizens can get on with their lives, then I’m all for it.

Finally, this outbreak of criminal behaviour in this and in other areas shows there is a lack of ethical or moral training in many people. I have no simple solution to that problem.

— Denis M

The crims know there are no real consequenc­es for “minor crimes” under this Labour Government.

Soft on crime has clearly failed.

Let’s put in a government that is tough on crime and let’s support the police to lock up these lowlifes.

Support the prison guards no matter what.

Let’s clean up Labour’s mess and make the streets safe.

—Royh

This is a huge problem, and the police have not got the resources, or appear interested to put a clamp on it. Constructi­on is a hard-enough game without this. We are heading into a lawless country with a government soft on crime, and warm hugs for the criminals who apparently are victims.

— Mark I

When will this government realise the wave of lawlessnes­s that is sweeping New Zealand is a direct result of their failed “progressiv­e ” policies. Insufficie­nt police numbers, soft on gangs, soft on violence toward police, soft sentencing, soft on drugs.

— Lumen D

In reply to Lumen D:

Lack of consequenc­es from an early age, honesty as a value disappeari­ng, and a left-leaning narrative that encourages a lack of personal responsibi­lity, a sense of entitlemen­t and a tendency to blame others.

— Maureen D

In reply to Maureen D:

The sense of entitlemen­t I see on most of these comments appears to come from those who are doing okay with a very myopic view. Do any of you wonder how we came to have such a huge disparity in the haves and have nots? This is the main issue that needs addressing in this country.

Funny how you appear to be blaming people for their circumstan­ces, then saying they want to play the blame game. Very many double standards.

— Steve M

Republishe­d comments may be edited at the editor’s discretion.

 ?? Photo / Getty Images ?? Builders say crime is on the rise at constructi­on sites.
Photo / Getty Images Builders say crime is on the rise at constructi­on sites.

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