It's likely that the first response of many to the news of several vigilante-style episodes around the Island was: "Good for them. It's about time someone showed these criminals that they don't rule the streets."

That reaction is understandable, given the increase in serious violent crime around the Island and the consequential increase in fear and uncertainty.

And it is reinforced by decades, if not centuries, of stories of the hero, tired of living in fear, hitting back at the bad guys and expelling them from the area.

That reaction tends to grow when the authorities, be they Police or Government, seem powerless to prevent a rise in crime and lawlessness. Then, the need to take the law into one's own hands seems even more justified.

But there is another way of looking at this. There's a difference between neighbourhoods banding together to observe and report crime and, merely by their presence, to discourage criminals from breaking into their homes and taking up residence in their neighbourhoods.

But there's a danger when people move from neighbourhood watch to neighbourhood attack.

The risk is that someone may end up being killed or severely injured as a result. the victim could be the criminal, or it could be one of the vigilantes, if for example the criminal turns out to be armed.

And it is not fair to say that the authorities are powerless. While the Police cannot be everywhere at once, they are making more "good arrests" leading to convictions.

Vigilantism could end up doing more harm than good if it is allowed to get out of control.

That's not to say that citizens should not take active measures to ensure their own safety.

We can start by telling the Police when they witness wrongdoing and then be prepared to give a statement and evidence in court.

We can certainly start neighbourhood watches in our communities to deter criminals from coming in.

We can make sure that our homes and surroundings are in good repair; this actively discourages lawbreakers from coming in.

We can pressure the Government and the Corporations of Hamilton and St. George's to make sure our roads are well lit and we can encourage the Police to conduct regular patrols.

We can tell the Police if drugs are being sold from particular homes and places, or that people are behaving suspiciously.

We can teach our children honesty and respect for others, and give them the tools to make good decisions in their lives. We can lead by example by showing them responsible behaviour in our lives.

We can make sure they go to school, do their homework and finish school with a future that does not involve gangs and the street. We can teach them that gangstas are not role models.

These are the vigilantes Bermuda needs. It is harder to do this and takes longer than a single vigilante act. But in the end, it is far more worthwhile.