The Fiji Police Force has issued a warning urging the public to exercise caution in light of a social media post claiming that certain youths have been injecting chemicals into fresh coconuts, or “bu,” to incapacitate homeowners for theft purposes. This post, which includes an alarming image of individuals on the ground alongside police officers, has raised considerable concern among citizens.
Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations Livai Driu addressed these worries by encouraging the community to refrain from spreading rumors and unverified information that could lead to unnecessary fear and panic. He called on those disseminating such messages to ensure they go through proper channels to verify their claims.
“We encourage the sharing of information through official platforms, where details can be confidentially managed for verification,” said Driu.
The contentious post alleges that a group is targeting homeowners by using chemicals to sedate them, thereby making them easier targets for theft. However, Driu cautioned that the police need concrete evidence before taking any actions regarding these allegations.
“The Fiji Police will inform the public if such a trend is confirmed and we urge everyone to be discerning when sharing information to avoid causing alarm,” he added.
The police have opened lines of communication for community members to report suspicious activities or information through various official channels, including Crime Stoppers and the Serious Organised Crime & Intelligence Department.
In addition to their warning, the Fiji Police Force reassured the public of their commitment to transparency, promising to relay any verified patterns of criminal activity promptly. They also emphasized the importance of vigilance and encourage the community to report unusual behavior directly to law enforcement.
This situation serves as a reminder of the power of social media in spreading both information and misinformation. It highlights the necessity for communities to come together, share verified information, and report suspicious activities to safeguard public safety.
By fostering open communication and urging the dissemination of verified information, the Fiji Police are working to maintain peace and prevent unnecessary panic in the community.
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