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.