LETTERS: To catch a thief

I read your article on the recent robbery of Ms Lai in Sandringham. As the offence of robbery carries punishment of 10 years imprisonment, I find it incredulous that the police wouldn't show much interest in Ms Lai's predicament.
The fact of the matter is that 90 per cent of the time police only become aware of a crime is after it is reported and after all evidence has disappeared (no fingerprints, property or witnesses etc, other than the victim). Therefore there would be little that could be done other than to record the incident and alert other police (and maybe outlets) of the description of the offender and property taken.
I am sure the police are fully cognisant of Ms Lai's situation and fears but I would doubt they were not interested in helping her and other victims of such crimes. They are simply limited as to what they can do unless witnesses come forward or some of the property is recovered (i.e. fingerprints).
Steve Anderton
Manly
Great article, thanks for publishing it.
Every citizen has the obligation to take some responsibility for the outcomes that he/she wants to have from the community where they live.
If one of those outcomes is a safe community free from crime, then the police can deliver some of that. So can the politicians. So can the social agencies. And they all do.
The ones who let the whole side down is the private citizen. Content to pay rates and taxes, and sit at home watching Dancing With Stars in front of the warm fire, eating pizza and guzzling cold beer. Never giving a second thought to how crime is slowly taking over our neighborhoods. Teaching their kids "If you see crime, never get involved: walk away! Or hand over your wallet! You might get hurt!"
And then wondering "what happened?" when crime finally hits too close to home.
We are now receiving the natural outcome of this disgraceful philosophy. We reap what we sow. We are Our Brother's Keepers.
Andy Cawston
Henderson
The Sensible Sentencing Trust champions a tougher stance on youth offending because petty crime like this may lead to more serious offences. This is a serious risk looking us in the face, which we need to work together to mitigate.
The Sensible Sentencing Trust was formed in March 2001 by a small group of motivated people with a passion and a vision to help create a patriotic, crime free New Zealand through the promotion of personal responsibility and a better deal for victims of crime.
The trust members promote educating communities. Public awareness has been achieved by holding public meetings around the country, and representatives of trust have spoken to hundreds of community groups.
To know more, visit our website: http://www.safe-nz.org.nz/member.htm
Don't wait till it's you affected.
Wendi
Sensible Sentencing Trust