Crime hits home..

So how safe are our streets? The danger that lurks in our streets really hit home this weekend. On Thursday evening, a family friend of ours was robbed at the ATM machine. It was dusk and she was at the machine, withdrawing money. Unknown to her, a guy in helmet with his visor down was peering at her from the outside the glass enclosure, watching her move.

Then, he rushed in and grabbed the money she had just withdrawn from the machine. Instinctively she pulled back before realizing the danger, at which she promptly dropped the money onto the floor. That was when the horror began. Angry at the thought that she was making it difficult for him, he pulled out a 'parang' and slashed her on her hand.

Surgery was carried out today to repair the damage. Two muscles were completely severed, one partially. She's fortunate that it's not worse. But lives are disrupted...changed! The emotional effect and anguish on everyone....yet to actually settle in. Still we are thankful that the nerves were spared!

Question...it's one of the biggest banks (if not the biggest) in Malaysia. The ATM machines were in an enclosed area. I thought all banks are supposed to have guards....yet there didn't seem to be any guards around. Most other banks have guards at the withdrawal area. It was an audacious move on the part of the low life scumbag. The banks had CCTV.. but what is the point? It didn't prevent a crime. It's just another gadget which gave a false sense of security. Cos probably no one was manning it. They have to secure the ATM machines area and yet they have failed. Walk into most banks with cash less than 5K and many will refuse to bank it over the counter. So you are forced to use the machines in an insecure area. Has the bank been negligent? Can we ask for compensation? After all they charge us for everything!

Then the presence of our police. There have been so many reports that we are shorthanded in our police department. But lately, we hardly feel or see their presence. Under the previous police chief, there were patrol beats. What is the police doing to reduce the crime rate? Apparently a young woman was also raped in the same vicinity in the past week. Those police pondok(s) now sit empty. What is the point of having police if their presence is only felt after the incident took place. (Seems 8 police cars converged to the crime scene after all the drama ended!) A bit too late to make any difference. And the bank is in a 'high human traffic' area. Police said not to withdraw money at dusk...there were two other people in the bank enclosure at the same time! And if after office hours is not a good time...then close the banks??? I'd think keeping the streets safe would be what is necessary.

Less than 2 decades ago, when we first came to Alor Star, one of the things we marvelled was how safe it was. We were told that you could leave your engine running in your car and no one would take it. These days, you can sit in your car and the chances of you being robbed is a real possibility. What is happening to our streets? I thought things are supposed to improve....but the streets are not as safe as they used to be. What gives?