The daring daylight robbery last week by three men armed with knives did not just happen out of the blue. It was not a crime of opportunity but a well-planned act to rob the delivery truck. A crime that now drives fear into the heart of the community.

It was last Friday when an Uncle Johnny’s delivery van was robbed. It happened in Vailoa. The masked men acted quickly, robbed the delivery people at knifepoint and even slashed an employee on the arm in making their escape. Not the usual crime stories that we get to hear about in our tiny island paradise.

An analysis of what happened on Friday suggests that the suspects had prior information on the delivery route of the truck, and it can also be said that they knew about the money being carried in the truck, a former employee, or someone with information from the inside. That is yet to be determined as investigations continue. The suspects knew which way to run to execute their getaway. Perhaps they had a getaway car waiting at a distance and away from prying eyes. But what they did not count on was the surveillance camera. The police investigation will lead to the truth, as one has been nabbed.

The theory and modus operandi of the suspects can be debated over and over again, but what does not remain unchanged is the evolution in the types of crimes that have been happening. Violent robberies are happening more often, and so are home invasions and burglaries. There is a dark underbelly that also allows a rampant meth trade and other crimes that are associated with it. Methamphetamine use has exploded over the past year, with the social and health-related harm yet to be seen.

Why has there been a surge in crime? Is it because social issues like poverty remain unaddressed, or is it because there has been a failure by the government and the community to ensure that all children are given access to education and an equal playing field? Or is it because there is a high rate of unemployment due to a population that is unskilled and not qualified for most jobs? Could it be because crime and drugs offer more money than work at minimum wage? It could also be because of corruption that plagues the system?

A strong political will is needed to tackle the issue, and perhaps this is a chance for candidates and political parties to align their goals on what they hope to bring to the table. Crime is a serious issue and one that disrupts economic growth and prosperity.

The breakdown of society we are witnessing now is a result of systematic negligence of social issues over the years. It is also a reflection of how our elected leaders are not focusing on key issues. Over the years, there has been very little done to upgrade law enforcement, having the required numbers on the ground, better pay for the police, modernising laws, creating awareness on the laws, social issues not being addressed, and not focusing on education.

For decades, elected officials have not focused on social issues. They are more focused on how things would benefit them. Poverty, lack of education and crime are interrelated social issues. The moment elected officials start doing what they are supposed to be doing, we will see improvements. We do not need self-serving leaders.

Poverty breeds crime. There is only one solution – education. Make education accessible and free. This will not happen overnight. If we start now, in the next two decades, a better-educated society could lead to low crime levels. Through education, we can help the future generation have a better understanding of the law. Right now, it is a sad thing to say, but many police officers are not versed in the law themselves. Education can change this. We can have a prosperous society, but it will take commitment from elected leaders to be selfless.

The elections are here; let us see which party or candidate has the foresight to address the crime issue.