Now this is getting out of hand it seems. The attempted break-ins on properties around the country that is. We raise the issue of robberies involving taxidrivers as well. In fact a lot of attention has shifted to such attempts in and around the Capital City of Suva now. So let’s talk about home invasions and theft!
Videos are trending of such attempts, with faces captured on security cameras. Then there are the bold statements unwittingly given out by some of those caught on camera. Now that probably stems from the fact that some are not aware of the placement of security cameras in some of the properties. Or if they are aware, then we wonder whether there is a no-care attitude, and that is worrying.
But this is where we look up to the powers that be, to be switched on and focused on this development. Let’s not dig a hole and bury our heads in the sand so to speak and hope these activities will just go away. They certainly will not be heading that way by the looks of things.
And as long as we stay away from the root causes, then we are doomed to encourage this sort of behaviour. That’s not good for anyone. It puts pressure on property owners, on families and eventually on the peace and security of our country. Remember, just yesterday, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka spoke about how Fiji’s tourism sector is targeting $4billion in earnings and 1.25 million visitor arrivals by 2027.
PM Rabuka announced the ambitious targets at an event where Warwick Hotels and Resorts announced plans to invest close to $200 million across the Pacific over the next 30 months, much of it in Fiji, to expand and upgrade its properties.
The move, he said, signals strong confidence in Fiji’s stability, workforce and future.
That is the way we should be thinking. In the face of such positive news, sits our topic for the day.
So, we say bring back police presence. Raise the level of visibility in and around urban areas. We say reflect on the benefits of neighbourhood watch zones. We say raise the bar on community policing. We say bring back those beat patrols. Let’s talk about prevention. Let’s be proactive.
And while we are at it, we say reflect on what is happening around us now, consider the sense of doubt among home-owners, think about the frustration, fear and anger.
Think about the root causes, and let’s deal with that as well.
Is there a connection to the rise in drug addiction rate? What about a connection with the rise in drug use? How about the need for drugs? Unemployment perhaps? Peer pressure? A drop in family values perhaps? What are the causes? Are we doing well in how we are nurturing our young?
Let’s face it! This calls for a whole of society effort. We need the Government in on this. We need the Police Force, Corrections, our religious bodies, the vanua, schools, communities and families.
We need people engaged and talking. We need discussions stimulated to focus on the negative impact of criminal activities on families. We need to talk about the rights of people to live in a safe and peaceful environment. We need to be talking about the important role we each can play to make that a reality. This isn’t going to be a walk in the park. But we can start somewhere. We can raise the profile of the conversation! Let’s remove the shackles! Let’s pull out all stops! Let’s do this!
