In Linden, a while ago, some residents beat a notorious bandit to death and were charged for this act, because it is alleged that they had used undue force in subduing the felon.

Several reports in the media told stories of owners of licensed firearms shooting escaping robbers and the bleeding hearts of the society cried out for the blood of the firearm owner.

But where does one draw the line? In the seconds it takes to decide whether to attempt to foil a robbery, or save a victim, or to allow perpetrators to escape with their booty after committing robberies and other crimes, there is scant scope for analyzing the consequences of one’s actions, especially if the felons are armed.

Oftentimes, when someone has taken the meritorious action to save a victim from a criminal act, that person becomes the target of public outcry.

Recently a thief chopped a schoolboy and stole his money and possessions. The police intercepted him and he was shot in the process. He subsequently died, but not before being identified as one of the perpetrators of another robbery. Thereafter his mother and others are demanding justice for her son.

So what about justice for the schoolboy and the other victims whom her son robbed? Most likely she has enjoyed the spoils from the robberies he has committed. Did she ever stop to think of the victims?

Some of those who demanded justice for the bandits when the police cornered and killed, during armed confrontation, members of the notorious gangs who had slain innocent Guyanese at will are now having the chickens coming home to roost, because thieves have no loyalty to “kith and kin”. They steal from anyone they consider easy prey.

Law-abiding Guyanese have to display courage to fight these criminals with whatever means possible, even if it is by providing information to law-enforcement officers so that the criminal elements could be eradicated from society.

Instances are rife in downtown areas, especially in the vicinity of Bourda and Stabroek markets, where petty thieves, who are well-known to vendors and market constables, lurk and pounce on unsuspecting victims, snatching a cellphone, a chain, or other small properties of victims.

They escape and change the location of their activities. A day’s haul may net them a sizeable income, more than many law-abiding employee may earn in a month of earnest and honest labour.

These predators get away with their activities with impunity because making a police report is often perceived as a time-wasting and unfruitful exercise by most victims. Many petty thieves, encouraged by their successful forays, over time graduate to armed robbery, and then to becoming gang-members. It is not long before they begin to kidnap and murder, or invade homes and murder – and this cycle is a continuing trend, currently escalating beyond manageable proportions in our society.

On Monday last, Police Commissioner Henry Greene presented Victor Wilson with a commendation and award for brave conduct in the face of danger during an armed robbery.

Wilson’s courage was instrumental in the capture of a bandit who had already robbed the business entity to which he was affiliated; and yes, we need such citizens with his daring and, even more, his determination to confront the enemies of society. If communities band together to support their neighbours who are attacked, even under fire, then the scourge of crime will eventually be eradicated.

But this has to go hand-in-hand with a responsible judicial system. Many decent police are disheartened when they lay their lives on the line to capture a criminal, only to see them walk away from court with a slap on the wrist or on minimal bail. But bandits have no loyalty, and until the requisite punishment is meted out, then there will be many more attacks on just about anyone, such as that committed on Magistrate Nigel Hawke and his wife.

According to a release: “Government has, over the years, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, demonstrated its commitment towards the modernization and improvement of the Security Sector to ensure that the fundamental rights of citizens are protected.

“With a budgetary allocation of $13.6 billion in 2009, the Ministry undertook several projects; these included the rehabilitation of a number of facilities that fall under its responsibilities to aid in the improvement of the services offered to the public.”

In a lengthy article published in the Guyana Chronicle of Monday 4 January, details of Government’s investment in the nation’s security sector highlight the various aspects of improvements in the sector.

But this alone cannot suffice without the human capital proving its worth – not only those directly within the sector, but also the average citizen.

Those witnessing crimes can provide information, even if they cannot physically restrain the perpetrators, or publicly accusing or confronting criminals, whatever the constraint, whether it is fear or any other factor, because, ultimately, all of us are responsible for the type of society in which we live, and all of us can make a difference to the crime ratio.
So kudos are due Mr. Victor Wilson. Well done, Sir!