The lead story in Wednesday's STAR was disturbing to say the least.

According to the article, a man and his dog were beaten and left to suffer injuries following accusations that he was trying to lure kids using toys.

Though the kids were not harmed, one cannot help but imagine what the outcome would have been if residents had not seen the man as he took the kids to a section of Tilston district in Trelawny known as 'Mango Bush'.

This was allegedly done on three occasions, in as many months, with the kids given toys and taken from their homes.

On the last occasion, the man was spotted, yet again, and this ignited the anger of residents who demanded answers.

The story further mentioned that while explaining himself the man ran but was chased and beaten. So was his dog.

Though violence in any form should not be condoned, one definitely has to thank the residents as, apparently, they were simply protecting the kids.

If citizens work together more often chances are some of the problems which plague our country would be much easier to curb.

United we stand but divided we fall goes an old saying, and such a mindset would definitely reap some handsome rewards for our nation.