craigtrilivas wrote:
Then maybe even the police would start to shape up?
Ya and start arresting the guys who beat up random individuals suspected of being criminals.
Violence, in my experience and opinion, won't solve the problem. Only a concerted effort on the part of the surfing community to - firstly - ensure that all valuables are left at home. You can live without your cellphone and you don't need more than R100 in your wallet. Secondly, a watchful, aware community of riders who look out for one another and are alert as to who frequents the beach will help in reducing the number of thefts, but probably won't solve the problem.
The problem is poverty and we as a community can try all we like, but we cannot make a considerable impact on alleviating poverty. Sure, linked to poverty are issues such as drug addiction and alcoholism...but either way these criminals are committing crimes in order to generate income - either that or they have serious kleptomnia issues.
As with past experiences with similar situations I believe that all we need to do as a community is be aware of our surroundings and verbally confront said individuals alerting them to our suspiscions and asking them to move off.
If a fight breaks out, then so be it, but i would suggest doing your utmost to ensure that the resolution to this issue is a peaceful one.
Like it has been said before. I am sure that once these guys know that we are on to them they will stay clear of our beaches.
My only concern is that once they leave it will only a while before another bunch of thugs takes their place.
