In July of this year, authorities reported a total of 635 theft cases, a notable increase from the 327 cases recorded during the same month last year, according to Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew.
The overall crime rate for July rose by 52 percent compared to the same month in 2023, and it increased by 17 percent compared to June. This surge in crime is attributed primarily to theft, assault, and burglary incidents.
Mr. Chew highlighted that three specific theft cases involved multiple counts at a restaurant, a supermarket, and a foreign exchange outlet, resulting in approximately half a million dollars stolen and implicating six employees from the establishments.
Assault cases also saw an uptick, with 347 incidents reported in July 2024, up from 251 in July of the previous year, marking an increase of 96 cases. Alarmingly, 83 of these incidents were related to domestic violence.
Furthermore, illicit drug cases increased by 42 percent, with 188 recorded this July compared to 132 during the same month last year. Out of these, 181 were for the unlawful possession of drugs, while seven concerned the unlawful cultivation of such substances. Specifically, there were 46 cases related to methamphetamine, one case for cocaine, and 141 linked to marijuana.
Lautoka experienced a sharp rise in drug cases, skyrocketing from four in 2023 to 32 in 2024, all of which involved unlawful possession—18 related to methamphetamine and 14 to marijuana. A total of 163 individuals were charged with drug-related offenses, including five high school students.
In terms of burglary, 236 cases were recorded, with increases noted at the Lautoka, Valelevu, Nadi, and Nabua Police Stations.