We used to leave our houses and doors unlocked. Now, we make sure the gates, windows and everything else is locked when we leave the house. We now add security cameras in addition to the dogs for extra security.

Why? Samoa is not as safe as it used to be. Take the sea wall for example, I used to walk alone from Sogi to Fugalei when I was a kid and everywhere else with only traffic and dogs to worry about. Now, we have to look out for hooligans and robbers, beggars along the way.

If you are a man, you are safer as you have a better chance to fight them off. If you are a girl or woman alone, this will be a different story.

Iceland, New Zealand, Ireland, Austria, Denmark, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Singapore and Japan are the top ten safest countries in the world. I’ve studied and lived in some of these countries and the statistics are true in terms of crime rate. Singapore and Japan are some of my favourite places to visit.

Singapore prides itself on security and safety. It is probably the safest country in Asia, but like every place, it has its dangers. I witnessed this at Clarke Quay, a favourite hotspot for tourists.

Clarke Quay offers visitors a great range of alternative things to do and see which doesn’t just revolve around nightlife. It is famous for its stunning waterside restaurants and exciting collection of clubs and bars, but it has so much more to offer. I go there purely for the sights and food. The last time I was there, I witnessed a group of Asians hooligans hassling tourists or anyone that didn’t look Asian. Good thing that I had my Samoan soul sister with me and we managed to fend them off.

Things could’ve turned out very bad if the drunken men got more violent. Japan on the other hand is a bit safer for me. You will see five year olds going to school via train by themselves and staying out late for extracurricular activities.

This was new to me the first time I visited. Children are extremely independent and culturally, people look out for one another. Respect and silence are common values in Japan. I forgot my purse and passport at the busiest train station in Tokyo.

As a tourist, the first thing you do is panic and kick yourself. Then calm down and find the lost and found section. What a relief when they asked me many questions before handing me my belongings. Transportation is very safe, reliable and excellently maintained in both Singapore and Japan. `As long as you use your common sense and keep your valuables close by and do not do anything you wouldn’t in your own country, you’ll be safe in most places.

Why isn’t Samoa on this list? How do we make Samoa safe again? I personally blame financial hardship, unemployment and technology for the fast, petty crimes.

Some criminals do not work alone, they work in groups. They watch and wait. They remember the homeowners' schedule and when they are out of sight, the robbery happens. Some thieves in town do not even wait for evening or night time. They’ll smash your window in broad daylight and steal laptops, phones and any personal belongings left in the car. These will be kept, used, destroyed or resold to make a quick buck. Whatever the motive is, it is not to feed families or pay power bills.

Will higher police presence deter crime? Probably short term. Harsher punishment? Perhaps. What has been introduced or taken away from our people in the last few years that is causing all this? Something to think about while we enjoy the rest of the week.