Friday’s arrest of five minors for assaulting a man in Philipsburg (see related story) two weeks ago is good news. Widely circulated video showing the incident helped give authorities the leads they needed.
Don’t let the ages of these three 15-year-old and two 14-year-old youngsters fool you. They allegedly not only robbed their victim in his forties but did so violently and cowardly, attacking him from behind with a piece of wood.
Such crimes especially on Front Street and relatively early in the evening affect the sense of security among both residents and visitors. It is therefore reassuring to know that suspects were detained.
Also encouraging is that the police investigation includes examining the role of the culprits’ parents. The latter are co-responsible for the actions of their children at least until these turn 18 and become legal adults.
While it involves minors, they are facing assault and disruption of public order charges. Any prison sentence will obviously be at the Miss Lalie Youth Care and Rehabilitation Center in Cay Bay, but that is certainly no vacation.
When offenders get caught it serves as deterrent for other would-be delinquents. The same goes for the recent shooting of an armed robber in the act at a Cole Bay mini-market by an off-duty detective. No matter how tragic for family and loved ones, it sent a strong message.
