The Fiji Police Force has expressed concern over a notable rise in crimes against children. Last month, there was a recorded 25 percent increase in such crimes, totaling 138 cases—93 involving girls and 45 boys.
Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci noted that 54 percent of the reported cases were sexual offences, 33 percent related to assaults, and 13 percent involved other types of offences. He highlighted that 22 percent of the cases were domestic in nature, involving relatives, including cousins and parent-child relationships.
Raikaci identified that the increase in crimes against children stemmed primarily from a rise in assault cases, which grew from 23 to 35, as well as a rise in abduction cases involving individuals under 18, jumping from five to 22, and sexual assaults increasing from seven to 20.
Overall, the crime rate in August rose by eight percent compared to the same month last year. Serious crimes surged by 11 percent, while crimes against women and children grew by four percent and 25 percent, respectively.
In a related note on police accountability, Raikaci revealed that five police officers faced charges last month for various offences including sexual assault and drug-related issues. He acknowledged that police officers themselves have also been victims of serious crimes, with 25 reported cases of serious assaults against them, one case of obstructing an officer, and nine cases of resisting arrest. Raikaci emphasized the challenges of policing, stating that officers risk their safety daily in their commitment to serve the community.
Regarding drug-related offences, there were 143 cases reported in August, with 138 related to the unlawful possession of drugs and five concerning unlawful cultivation. A total of 135 individuals were charged with drug offences, including three students.
Raikaci commended the support from religious and community leaders in combatting crime, urging continued collaboration to enhance community safety and protect vulnerable groups. He encouraged the public to report suspicious activities through Crime Stoppers by dialing 919 or 917.