Editorial: Acts of cruelty utterly wrong

What on earth is wrong with people?

Today we tell the heartbreaking story of an elderly Rotorua man who has been bullied, allegedly at the hands of greedy teenagers over a prolonged period.

Gavin Hayes, an 82-year-old Rotorua citizen, has had his car stolen from his home after young people allegedly went into his house and took his keys.

He says the teens befriended him and let themselves into his unlocked Glenholme flat.

He has lost his Freeview decoder, food, silverware and his car - twice.

The first time, he called police and it was returned but this time it was written off in a crash.

The latest thief went to his house and asked if a person lived there, probably just to make conversation. She then asked to use his toilet, grabbing his car keys sitting on a heater on her way out.

She ran out the door and drove off in his car, while Mr Hayes was chasing her banging on the car's window to stop.

Now he's lost his independence and says he just wants to die.

What hurts him most is not being able to drive to Taumarunui to visit his wife's grave. Mr Hayes lives modestly and he says he can't afford insurance. Yes, insurance is there for this very reason - for when things go wrong and you either lose or have your possessions stolen.

But have you seen the price of insurance lately? Thanks to the Christchurch earthquake, premiums have skyrocketed in the past year resulting in more people weighing up whether they can afford it. Insurance has become a luxury for some. What has happened to Mr Hayes isn't just theft - it's cruelty.

He is vulnerable and thieves have taken advantage of that.

What do you think?

Email editor@dailypost.co.nz, text DP then your message to 021 241 4568, or write to editor, PO Box 1442, Rotorua