Editorial: Brave citizens deserve praise

there were less burglaries last year than the previous year. Photo/Thinkstock

Far too often we read or hear about crime in our community.

Crimes by a lawless minority can give the impression we live in an unsafe society. This is unfortunate because, by-and-large, we live in a law-abiding part of the world. In fact, our streets appear to be getting safer.

There were 305 fewer burglaries last year than the previous year, according to provisional police statistics. Police attribute the drop to the allocation of more resources and a renewed focus on prevention. They also give credit to community patrols and neighbourhood support groups.

Katikati Sergeant Steve Hindmash says the community helped achieve a remarkable drop in burglaries. The number fell from from 122 in 2012 to 57 in Katikati last year. It was the biggest decrease in the Western Bay.

Many burglaries were solved as a result of information provided by members of the public. Tauranga South, which has an active community patrol, has also seen a significant reduction.

Members of the patrol hope their presence on the street will deter criminals. As a result of their efforts and the work of the police, 305 fewer families were victims of crime. Police have limited resources.

They cannot be everywhere at once and depend on these community groups to be their eyes an ears. These committed volunteers also, inevitably, put themselves in harm's way.

Take for instance Lance Scullin, who passed away last year. Police say Mr Scullin was assaulted with a wooden fence paling while trying to break up a fight outside his house the night before he was found dead in the backyard of his Kesteven Rd property on December 1.

He did not die as a direct result of the assault. Only in death did details of the community patrol volunteer's brave efforts to protect others emerge. He was known for his fearless approach in confronting troublemakers in the neighbourhood.

As this paper has noted before, fear, and at times disinterest, prevent people from involving themselves in situations where others, including innocent victims, have the potential to be harmed.

Those brave enough to take to the streets in the hope of making a difference deserve recognition for their efforts and our gratitude.