You have got to be kidding me!

With the latest reports and video postings involving some child vendors in a nasty incident of physical abuse of an individual, it was astounding to hear a response from the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Fauono Talalelei Tapu reported in the Weekend Observer. Confirming there is currently no law to stop child vendors selling or being on the streets at night. And while he said if he sees them he advises them to go home, it appears that that is where policing ends.

Having had a number of reports from harassed shop owners who are hassled late at night with not a policeman in sight, should we assume that we are only safe in daylight hours? 

An ex policeman has come up with a few suggestions to start addressing the problem as we wait for a new law to come into effect.

1. Start investigating the assault that took place, it was a crime for heavens sake.

2. Under the heading of Crime Prevention (do we have such a thing?) pick up those wandering late at night and take them to their parents and homes.

3. Visit the Village Council and enlist their help with the parents and young people.

4. Partner up with other relevant community organizations (eg S.V.S.G.) under the heading this time of Community Policing (again, is this a new concept?).

But please, do any or all of these things but don’t just sit there and do nothing!  

Samoa Observer

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