Zero tolerance needed on violent criminals

Another day, another kidnapping, another rape, a ransom demanded and even perhaps, another killing. Welcome to urban Kenya’s latest "emerging crime".

There has been an upsurge in abductions, originally of children from well-to-do families, that has now become some sort of fad.

Response times by police have been outstanding and brutally efficient, if the number of carjackers, abductors and ransom seekers gunned down is proof enough. Like all newly-formed units, the special formation has been getting on the trail of criminals as soon as it is reported and has recorded resounding success.

It seems people are trusting police more and reporting crime promptly. Also, communication systems have been enhanced to track down any law breaker that tries to exploit electronic devices. Also, Vigilance House seems to have moved away from aggressive tactics, summary justice to adopting better investigation techniques, targetted recruitment and upgrading of systems and equipment.

The downside of these crimes is that perpetrators are getting younger by the day, more suave, educated and better armed.

‘999’ is back

Gone is the image of the dreadlocked, scruffy thug from city slums, and in their place, young, trigger-happy indolents from well-to-do neighbourhoods.

We cannot overemphasise the value of raw intelligence, double digit expansion of police numbers and investment in modern crime investigation skills for its officers. Insecurity is everyone’s nightmare, therefore armed criminals are everyone’s Enemy Number One. Crime hotline ‘999’ is back. Call in and save a life.