Editorial: Robberies cost more than money

Mark Story.

As at 9.30am yesterday, two armed robberies had occurred in just 13 hours. Is it a coincidence - or are they related?

One would hope they were linked, simply for the fact that there's a hint of comfort knowing the same gutless offenders were behind both heists; better that than the spectre of four criminals of this persuasion on the loose.

The first incident happened at Four Square supermarket in Waipawa on Monday night, and the second at central Hastings bar Zabeels about 9.30am yesterday. Both involved two perpetrators.

Detective sergeant Darren Pritchard said the latter standoff left staff and patrons shaken but not physically hurt.

What were they thinking? One can only speculate as to the mental process that goes on before the decision's made to engage in such high-risk, low-reward gambling.

Depending on how charitable the community was feeling, we could attempt to muster a tinge of tolerance as to the motivation behind such deeds.

Desperate times, desperate people, desperate acts. Perhaps.

But the truth is the end rarely justifies the means. The consequences (and potential consequences) of this behaviour never sit well with right-minded citizens.

Sadly, while the rest of society looks askance at such acts of thuggery, the offenders often see it simply as a viable option to get out of a tight spot.

Whether these two acts were linked, or otherwise, will be cold comfort and of little interest to the victims.

Because despite not suffering any injuries, those who were threatened will no doubt relive the trauma for some time yet.