The Fiji Police Force has issued a warning regarding a troubling rise in crimes against children, with a 25 percent increase noted last month. Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci reported that there were 138 recorded cases of crimes against children, consisting of 93 girls and 45 boys.
Among these incidents, sexual offences accounted for 54 percent, assault-related cases formed 33 percent, and 13 percent were linked to other offences. Additionally, 22 percent of the cases were domestic-related, involving relatives such as cousins and parents.
Raikaci attributed the rise in crimes against children primarily to an increase in assault cases from 23 to 35, abductions involving individuals under 18 from five to 22, and sexual assaults from seven to 20. Comparing reports, the overall crime rate rose by eight percent last month relative to the same time the previous year. Serious crimes increased by 11 percent, while crimes against women saw a four percent rise.
In efforts to hold police officers accountable, five officers were charged last month with various offences including sexual offences, assault, drug-related crimes, and breaches of the Domestic Violence Restraining Order. Raikaci pointed out that police officers themselves have also been victims of crimes while performing their duties, with 25 cases of serious assault reported against them, along with cases of obstruction and resisting arrest.
On a related note, August saw 143 drug cases reported, a rise from the previous year, with 138 pertaining to the unlawful possession of illicit drugs and five concerning unlawful cultivation. A total of 135 individuals were charged with drug-related offences, including three students.
Raikaci expressed gratitude for the support from religious and community leaders in fighting crime and emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure safer communities. He urged the public to report suspicious activities and crimes through Crime Stoppers.