Let’s help Police force keep our streets safe, free of crime

The recent spate of crime in Suva and other areas is worrying. But it is reassuring that the Police have mobilised to keep the streets safe. An emerging trend that shows criminal elements operating in groups to target victims is even more alarming. Two suspects have been questioned and released as Police try to gather more evidence before they can arrest and charge those allegedly responsible.

This is frontline policing and the Police should not be blamed for the current trend. Criminals appear to be more brazen in their modus operandi.

They are obviously learning from overseas trends through videos and other media platforms.

There should be a multi-faceted approach to tackle this challenge. The Police cannot do it alone. They need all our help.

To begin with, all the victims should give their reports to the Police. Other members of the public who may have witnessed the events should readily volunteer information to the Police. They need every piece of evidence to help them close in on the suspects. When the suspects are caught and interrogated it would be good to know where they came from and how they were raised. This information is crucial to have a holistic view on this issue. It will help us understand all the circumstances that have contributed to the current behaviour of these suspects.

The Police and the courts are like the ambulance at the foot of the cliff.

What we must look at is to ensure that people do not go over the edge. They get there because their paths had been littered with failures and disappointments. For some, crime is the last resort or the only way out of their predicament as they seek for a purpose in life.

So let’s not blame the Police. Let us help them bring to justice the suspects.

They have responded by increasing their foot patrols. While this may act as a deterrent, there is no guarantee that they will completely stop criminal activities. The long term solution would be to make sure that our young people are busy doing something worthwhile and gainfully.

Idleness is a tool of the devil. It opens the door to evil thoughts and activities.

It is said that criminal activities are also linked to illicit drugs.

It’s a dangerous combination that keeps the Police busy. Again the Police need our help.

We can start from our homes and help members of our families engage in meaningful work or education. No one should be roaming the streets aimlessly because that is inviting trouble.

Parents should know where their children (juveniles or adults) who live with them are at any time of the day. They must set boundaries and rules for their safety and welfare.

These rules underpin a set of values that the family upholds. If they can’t, then the risks of something going wrong are pretty high.

When children do not receive these clear guidelines at home, they tend to drift, get mixed up with the wrong company and finally start a life of crime.

So if we all do our part, we will make the lives of our Police officers much easier and keep our streets safe.