Kaikohe's top cop is dismayed that not one person called police when vandals smashed 16 windows at Kaikohe West School recently.
Senior Sergeant Brian Swann said he could not believe that no one had heard the attack on the school, yet no one alerted police.
The attack on the school was particularly concerning because of the effect it had on the pupils.
Police were able to give them some reassurance through a visit to the Kaikohe station, he said.
Only a handful of calls had been received about other damage and offending around town.
"By doing nothing, we make it easier for these offenders to operate and make it harder to hold them accountable," Mr Swann said.
"A member of the public recently told me that his biggest concern for Kaikohe was the apathy of the community, and the fact that people either didn't care or couldn't be bothered to do anything about things they knew to be wrong.
"He was right and, although we have lots of concerned residents, all too often people choose to do nothing and not to become involved. Please stand up and be counted and make our community safer for everyone," Mr Swann said.
The other area of concern was the age of the offenders behind a recent upsurge in vandalism and burglaries.
Almost all were juveniles aged about 14-16 who were spending their nights hanging out around town.
"Parents should be making sure they know what their kids are up to and should understand the negative effect this offending has on the community and business," he said.