Over the past few months crime statistics have increased drastically in the Ōmokoroa region. Stupid, childish, petty, adolescent, destructive behaviour. Emotionally devastating to victims, not to mention unnecessary expenses to repair the damages.

These 16 year olds want the right to vote in General Elections? How many of these ‘children' are aged 16 or coming up to their 16th birthday? One would think at that age they would have some concept of respect for others, private property and social responsibility. Obviously not!

If their crime sprees are an example of their mental awareness of right from wrong – and at that age they should know the difference – I dread to think of the consequences of allowing them the adult responsibility of voting for a government at election time. God help us!

There will be those reading this who will say: 'Oh it is just teenagers learning their boundaries, doing the things that all teenagers do.” Sorry – it not acceptable behaviour. People with businesses should not have to put up with this nonsense.

My message to teenagers – if you want adult responsibilities and you want the respect you think you deserve, then start acting like adults. When apprehended they should have to pay restitution to their victims.

Shirley Gussey, Omokoroa.