According to students at the University of the South Pacific, the recent increase in thefts and burglaries could be linked to increasing drug use, particularly methamphetamine, and shifting social conditions.

Thomas George Tofaeono, a Bachelor of Arts Journalism/Law student at USP, said he believes drug use is a key driver behind theft.

“As you know, one thing I think, one thing I predict is that, all I know is that one cause of theft is because of meth. It’s the increasing of drug addiction among the youth of Samoa. And it’s very bad,” he said.

He added that safety is becoming a concern and called for stronger responses from authorities and communities.

“Samoa is not safe, and there’s much, there’s the need for well, security,” Tofaeono said, adding that rising theft levels suggest the country is “at a stage where it’s not safe,” and urged government action along with village and community-based programs to reduce theft and support youth.

Loveni Ah Kuoi, a Bachelor of Laws student at USP, also linked theft to methamphetamine use, saying people may steal to support drug addiction.

“I know that in this situation, these are people who steal. There is a big connection to meth,” she said, adding that theft has increased as more people become involved with “ice (methamphetamine).”

She also contrasted safety in rural and urban areas, noting stronger traditional protection systems in villages compared to Apia and coastal areas.

“In the rural areas, there is protection from chiefs and leaders, but here in town we leave our houses and go to school, and people steal things from our homes,” she said.

Fa’amafu Semau, a Master of Education student at USP, said theft and crime are rising and linked the trend to youth behaviour, education, and modern influences.

“At present in Samoa, theft and crime are increasing,” she said. “Samoa is no longer safe today because of young people.”

She argued education plays a key role in preventing crime, saying, “If a child is well educated, they will not engage in bad behaviour. Education can train the mind.”

Semau also pointed to the influence of technology and social media on youth behaviour, saying cases involving theft, burglary, and meth use are increasingly visible online and in the news.

“We are seeing this on social media and online platforms, many cases involving young people and even children being charged all the time,” she said. “This confirms that Samoa is not safe today because of the behaviour of today’s youth.”