Calling cops is safer than accosting thugs

THE ISSUE Two people were injured in a confrontation with vandals in Kalihi.

Smashed windshields and dented doors are far easier to repair than broken bones and far easier to bear than loss of life. As tempting as it is to try to protect property when vandals thrash through a neighborhood with pipes and bats, as they did in Kalihi Valley recently, residents should stay out of the way, call police immediately and let trained officers deal with the thugs. Confrontation could make a bad situation much worse.

A man was injured when he ran outside his home Monday to confront a group of teenagers who were damaging cars along the street. His sister also was hurt when she intervened. Though their injuries apparently weren't serious, they could have been, and although residents are justifiably disturbed because a number of vehicles had been damaged in previous days, they would do better to dial 911.

Residents complain that police response is too slow, but if such incidents aren't reported, police won't know there's a problem and won't be able to anticipate or watch out for similar events.

Officials say the public's help is necessary to prevent repeated vandalism. They ask that residents be mindful of suspicious gatherings and report them. If nothing is amiss, there's no harm done, but if trouble is brewing, police will be present. They also ask people to pass on information calmly and tell dispatchers if the situation is urgent. They should note descriptions, license numbers and other details when they can.

Above all, people should be concerned first about their own safety and that of their families.