Three individuals, including a juvenile, are set to appear in the Magistrates Court in Labasa today, facing charges of multiple counts of burglary and aggravated robbery. Their arrest follows a series of break-ins that took place throughout Labasa from December 5 to December 31, 2024.

The first incident occurred on December 5 when the trio reportedly broke into the home of a 43-year-old self-employed man from Bocalevu while he was away with his family. Items valued at $1,104, including 5kg of Yagona, mats, and bags, were taken. Just a day later, on December 6, they targeted a 50-year-old farmer in Vuniqari, Tabia, who was attending a wedding with his family. This break-in resulted in a significant theft of items worth $18,894, which included jewelry, clothing, mobile phones, and perfumes.

Subsequent incidents included the burglary of a self-employed woman’s home on December 13, where shop items valued at $3,217 were stolen while she attended another wedding. On December 20, they reportedly threatened a 60-year-old woman and her 2-year-old granddaughter with a cane knife, robbing them of $6,372 worth of goods. The series of crimes concluded on the morning of December 31 when they broke into the home of a sleeping 54-year-old farmer in Bocalevu, stealing items worth $1,817.

This troubling series of events sheds light on the issue of property crime within the Labasa community. It serves as a reminder for residents to bolster home security measures, especially during times when they may be away for celebrations or gatherings. Law enforcement’s proactive stance in addressing these incidents reflects a commitment to ensuring community safety and restoring peace of mind among the citizens.

As the legal process unfolds, it is hoped that justice will be served, and the resilience of the Labasa community will shine through in overcoming these challenges.