Improve access to education and employment, say village chiefs, as they express concern about the increasing robbery and burglary cases in Samoa.

Samoa Observer spoke to senior matai in villages about this problem, and they all have different views about the solutions to help tackle the problem.

Polu Lalomilo, a member of the Tufulele village committee, said it was sad. He said the rising number of cases of burglaries in Samoa should concern everyone.

He said high school fees are leading to youth dropping out, and some find their way to criminal activity as a means of making money.

"I think this is a joint effort of village councils and churches in each village to keep on finding ways to eliminate this," Polu said.

"Our village has policies for every single person to follow, from children to adults and the matais."

Polu said there are harsh penalties by their village for any person who is found committing any crime.

He said that the harsh penalties have been implemented as a deterrent.

Another senior matai from Sapunaoa, Tuiloma Agaalii, said this is concerning and has to stop.

He said the most embarrassing part is when Samoans commit these crimes victimising other people from other countries.

"This puts a very bad image on Samoa's good name," he said.

Tuiloma said the problem should be eliminated if all village councils work together with church leaders and villagers to come up with ideas to stop such crimes.

Taveuveu Faitala echoed the same reaction. He said this is disturbing to see every week, with cases of burglary in Samoa.

"This is caused by unemployment," Taveuveu said.

"A lot of youth nowadays are staying at home without jobs, and I think this is what they turn to get what they want for everyday wants and needs."

He said this has to stop and it's an effort where parents, village matais and community church leaders should unite and create awareness programs for the youth to participate and avoid committing these crimes.

The courts in Samoa have also noted an increase in number of burglary and robbery related offences.