The Fiji Police Force has expressed concern over a notable increase in crimes against children. Last month, there was a 25 percent rise in such crimes, totaling 138 cases, with 93 involving girls and 45 involving boys.
According to Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci, 54 percent of these incidents were sexual offences, 33 percent involved assaults, and 13 percent were categorized under other offences. Additionally, he mentioned that 22 percent of the cases were domestic-related, affecting relatives including cousins and parent-child relationships.
The increase in reported crimes is attributed primarily to a rise in assault cases, which went from 23 to 35, along with a jump in abduction cases involving minors from 5 to 22 and sexual assaults rising from 7 to 20. Overall, the total crime rate for last month showed an eight percent increase compared to the same time last year. Serious crimes rose by 11 percent, crimes against women increased by four percent, and those against children surged by 25 percent.
In an effort to ensure accountability, five police officers were charged last month with various offences including sexual assault, drug-related issues, and violations of the Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO). However, police officers have also become victims of crime, particularly while performing their duties. Raikaci reported 25 cases of serious assaults on police personnel, along with incidents of obstruction and resisting arrest involving officers.
“We recognize that policing is a challenging profession where officers face risks daily while serving the community,” Raikaci stated.
Regarding drug-related crimes, there were 143 cases in August alone, with 138 linked to the unlawful possession of illicit drugs and five involving cultivation. A total of 135 individuals were charged with drug offences, including three students.
Raikaci highlighted the importance of community support in addressing crime, expressing gratitude for the pledges made by local leaders. He emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration to create safer environments, urging the public to report suspicious activities through Crime Stoppers at 919 or 917.