Personal safety is paramount. It is therefore only natural that cases of muggings, such as that of the elderly lady from Sliema who was left for dead on the street clutching the handle of her stolen handbag, leave the elderly feeling vulnerable and scared.
Attacks on persons and muggings are widespread across the globe and the reasons behind them may be many and varied. One thing is however very clear: this type of crime affects not only the immediate victims themselves, that is those that are beaten and/or robbed, but also society in general especially its weaker members who fear they too could become targets. It is, therefore, essential that effective prevention strategies are developed and put into practice to address the risks.
Research in other countries suggests that a proactive, well-resourced police strategy for dealing with street robbery can have an impact, especially if it ensures the cooperation and active involvement of all operational officers, not just members of focused teams, and is allied to a rapid and effective reactive capacity. An active and anticipatory policing style can increase primary detections by targeting vulnerable locations and ensuring a rapid response. “Proactive” and “reactive” policing are not distinct and separate but are complementary facets of an active approach.
However, it ought to be kept in mind that the problem of street robbery and of crime in general is not simply a matter for the police to deal with. Police action alone cannot offer the full solution to what is essentially a societal problem.
Energetic early intervention can help to prevent people from engaging in criminal activity, or to halt their criminal careers at an early stage, by identifying and tackling the precursors and corollaries of criminal activity. However, much of this work lies outside the domain of the police service and requires a more radical and coordinated multi-agency approach to the problem of youth crime, of which street robbery is just one element.
Meanwhile, a crucial service, especially for the most vulnerable, could and should be a well-planned and operated regular information exercise about how people, particularly the elderly, can help themselves stay safe, first and foremost by keeping alert and aware of their surroundings at all times to be in better control of any situation.
Helping people understand better how to remain alert and be mindful of the people around them, and any potentially risky areas in their movements, can include tips about what to do if, when walking after dark, they see people approaching them that look like a potential threat. Another aspect surrounds the dangers of walking in unlit areas when on your own, because such areas are attractive to criminals being out of sight, and how wise it therefore is to seek well-lit, if possible, busy areas.
Such tips, which could be communicated mainly through television and radio programmes, which research shows are more popular with the target audience, could also include information on why it is important not to display jewellery or other valuables such as watches or mobile phones, while walking alone: That is when a person is most vulnerable.
Ensuring a coordinated contribution by all key partners to the prevention and reduction of crime would surely be a very good investment. Collaborative action involving the police, the civil authorities, a wide range of agencies and services and the public can help to develop and deliver a comprehensive and integrated strategy for community safety.