Police are an integral part of a community - but they are only part of what makes a healthy community tick.
In Kawakawa, the local business association appears to have recognised that and is working toward establishing community patrols in the town, as Paihia has. As many tourism towns have,actually.
It seems to have taken a long time, given the rising number of tourists that stop in Kawakawa, and the opportunity they bring to business people, and criminals.
The latter have been active lately, coinciding with some staffing challenges at the local police station.
There is more than a hint of a suggestion that some of the "rugrats" hanging out in Kawakawa may be aware of this, and have taken advantage of reduced police numbers on the street. Senior police say the current situation is the result of a "perfect storm" that is clearing.
The spate of offending raises questions about wider social and behavioural issues - fixing those is a long-term exercise. Short term, the police are needed to remind the wannabe gangsters that there are repercussions for criminal behaviour.
The public, too, should consider how they can spread that message.
As a nation, we have been told that domestic violence - an often hidden offence - is unacceptable and we should speak up without fear of repercussion. It's not OK. Street robberies and hassling tourists for money are not OK either. Perhaps some increased public evidence of that in Kawakawa would help evoke some of the pride that flows through to multiple levels of a community and helps stop crime. Community patrols are a step in the right direction.
