Dear Editor,
We are compelled to highlight a deeply troubling incident that occurred on the evening of July 31, 2024, at the Amazonia Mall, which starkly reveals the abuse of power and significant safety concerns within our community.
My husband and I parked our Honda CRV in front of a security hut, an area devoid of any signage indicating restrictions. After a quick stop to the supermarket and dinner, we returned only to find our vehicle vandalised; both passenger-side tires were slashed. This wanton act of destruction not only inflicted financial distress upon us but also shattered our sense of security in a location that should be safe.
Upon discovering the damage, we approached the security guard on duty, who casually remarked, “I’m lucky it’s just the tires.” Such a response exemplifies a shocking indifference to our plight and trivialises the severity of this criminal act. It is alarming to witness a security personnel dismissing the distress of victims, suggesting a disturbing normalisation of violence within our supposed protectors.
The situation escalated further when the security guard called for police assistance. When the officers arrived, armed and seemingly confrontational, they implied that we were somehow responsible for inciting violence, despite our primary concern being the damage to our vehicle. Their recommendation to file a report at the police station instead of taking immediate action to address our situation raises grave concerns about their priorities and training. When those in authority respond to vandalism with indifference and victim-blaming, it sends a dangerous message that such behaviour is tolerated and that victims are to be held accountable for their misfortunes.
This incident is emblematic of a larger issue regarding power dynamics in our society. As citizens, we have an unequivocal right to feel safe in our communities, and we demand that security personnel and police officers act with diligence, respect, and empathy. It is imperative that we confront these issues head-on and advocate for comprehensive training and accountability for those entrusted with our public safety.
I call upon readers and community leaders to reflect on the implications of this incident and to engage in meaningful dialogue about how we can collectively foster safer neighbourhoods. We must ensure that those who serve us do so with the compassion and integrity that every citizen deserves.
Sincerely,
Kerensa Bart.
