Criminal minds are everywhere and one mother is calling on all parents to be alert.

Elisapeta Tomasi of Siusega and Falealupo says one can never be too careful about your children, especially girls these days.

The 44-year-old said she is concerned by the alarming number of criminal instances of rape, abductions and abuse. She has urged all mothers to take good care of their children.

 “There is no more denying the fact the number of crimes involving females is increasing,” she said.

“I’ve heard it and I’ve seen it around Samoa. But this is one important role the mothers should focus on. I’ve seen so many parents being reckless with how they let their young daughters go off anywhere. You have to be careful if you want to avoid problems.”

Elisapeta believes mothers should always be protective of their children.

 “I’m not saying the father has nothing to do with caring the kids but this is usually the mother‘s job.

“She is the mother of the family and she should know where her children are.”

Elisapeta used to work. But when they had their second child, she decided to stay home.

“I decided to stay home and look after them. We never know what might happen if we get leave them by themselves at home.” 

She said it’s time for mothers to wake up.

“My message is simple; make the children our main priority. 

“Let’s not just keep saying our children are our future when we don’t nurture them right and protect them. 

“For mothers, please avoid going to the bingo and putting other things first. We need to make sure the kids are okay and that our young girls are protected first and foremost.

“That is our job as mothers.

“A lot of the crimes happening these days is because we have neglected our roles as mothers to protect our girls from abuse.”