Editorial: Robberies must stop

Hospital dairy robbed.

The robbery of the Hospital Dairy on Saturday brings to 13 the number of robberies in Whanganui during the last 12 months.

While not alarming by national standards, it is higher than usual for the city, and cause for concern.

Dairies and service stations have been hit most, but also two liquor stores, a MacDonald's restaurant and an hotel.

In at least one case a dairy owner was injured when struck with a hammer. In another, young children were present and witnessed what must have been a terrifying ordeal for them.

Several offenders have been caught but not all.

Police have responded admirably - as you would expect - and will be satisfied by the arrests they have made.

But they will also be frustrated at not having caught up with those offenders still at large.

And by the numbers of often young men resorting to what are serious crimes.

Blame the exorbitant cost of cigarettes that make them a desired target, or blame a lack of meaningful jobs available, especially for those without skills or higher education.

Whatever the reason the robberies need to stop before somebody is seriously hurt or killed.

Public assistance will help achieve that.

In one robbery suspects were apprehended within hours due to members of the public reporting suspicious activity.

We need to help police as much as possible and make offenders feel like the eyes and ears of an entire community are upon them.

Noting down number plates and other details when we see something suspicious also helps support those who work vulnerable jobs.