Slack cops fuel security industry

CRIMINALS neither fear nor respect anyone – be they women and children, the old and the infirm, worshippers at a church and mourners at a funeral or even the police themselves (“Cop robbers run riot”, POST, January 11; “Mourners robbed at crematorium”, POST, January 18).

If they do not fear the police, what easy prey are we ordinary citizens?

It is such a callous, despicable act to rob people at a funeral. But criminals are known to steal from the very dead. They rob the dead at an accident scene, at an earthquake-devastated village and even go to graveyards at night, digging up bodies in search of gold and jewellery.

And it’s not only been happening now. From ancient times, as far back as the days of the Pharaohs, criminals have been ransacking tombs and burial sites for artefacts. If they can rob the living, it’s easier to rob the dead.

But your lead story of “cop” robbers running riot steals the show. As serious and traumatic as the ordeal was for the constable, his pregnant wife and his family, I could not help being a little amused and even admire the audacity of these criminals. But on a serious note, it casts our police force in very poor light.

The public lost faith in the police a long time ago. Some years back police stations came under attack from brazen robbers and police wanted security guards at their police stations. If the police cannot protect themselves from robbers, how can they be trusted to protect the public?

Criminals know how slow and useless our overweight police are. They outrun, outwit and overpower them and steal their guns and uniforms to commit more crimes.

There’s a common thread running through the government departments and the public service. Our railways have virtually come to a halt, which has been to the advantage of the trucking industry.

Our public hospitals are in a deplorable state but the private ones are thriving. The same can be said for our public schools. Private schools are mushrooming all over the country and are coining it.

Our law-enforcing agents are ineffective against criminals, which has seen the rapid growth of private security companies. The public not only pay taxes but have to pay security companies to protect their homes.

One’s loss is another’s gain. THYAGARAJ MARKANDAN

Silverglen