The Fiji Police Force has reported a notable rise in the overall crime rate, with 1,730 incidents recorded in September compared to 1,348 in the same month last year.
Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci highlighted that the most common offenses included theft, which accounted for 487 cases, followed by assault causing bodily harm at 298 cases, burglary and aggravated offenses at 193, unlawful possession of illicit drugs at 140, and 71 instances of criminal intimidation. Among the 223 cases involving women, 84 percent were related to assaults, while 16 percent were categorized as sexual offenses.
Additionally, Raikaci noted that 40 percent of the female victims were attacked by their spouses, partners, or other significant individuals. The statistics revealed 117 crimes against children, with 90 of the victims being girls and 27 boys. The Commissioner stated that approximately 66 percent of these incidents were sexual offenses, 29 percent were assault-related, and 5 percent pertained to other crimes. He also indicated that 15 percent of these cases were domestic, involving relationships like parent-child or among relatives. The rise in crimes against children was primarily attributed to an increase in assault cases, which rose from 18 to 26.
Raikaci further reported that 118 sexual offense cases were recorded, with rape being the most prevalent. In the realm of drug-related offenses, the police documented 150 cases, including 140 pertaining to unlawful possession and 10 involving the cultivation of illicit drugs. Of the drugs involved, 23 cases involved methamphetamine, while the remaining 127 related to marijuana.
He reiterated the police force’s commitment to rigorous operations as the festive season approaches and urged the public to uphold the rule of law to ensure safer communities for all.