The Fiji Police Force has issued a warning regarding a notable increase in crimes against children. Last month, there was a 25 percent rise in recorded cases of such crimes, with a total of 138 incidents documented—93 involving girls and 45 involving boys.
Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci highlighted that 54 percent of these cases were sexual offenses, while 33 percent were related to assaults, and 13 percent pertained to other types of crimes. Additionally, 22 percent of the reported incidents were domestic in nature, involving relatives such as cousins and parent-child relationships.
Raikaci pointed out that the surge in crimes against children primarily stemmed from a rise in assault cases, from 23 to 35 incidents, as well as an increase in abductions of individuals under the age of 18, which jumped from five to 22 cases, along with sexual assaults rising from seven to 20 instances. Furthermore, the overall crime rate for last month increased by eight percent compared to the same period last year. Serious crimes rose by 11 percent, crimes against women went up by four percent, and crimes against children saw a significant 25 percent increase.
In efforts to uphold police accountability, Raikaci reported that five police officers were charged last month for various offenses, including sexual offenses, assault, drug-related charges, and breaches of Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVRO). However, police officers also faced challenges as victims of crime during their duties, with 25 cases of serious assault reported against them and incidents of obstruction and resisting arrest.
He affirmed the risks that police officers face, stating that policing is inherently challenging and requires officers to put their safety on the line daily.
Regarding drug-related crimes, Raikaci indicated that there were 143 drug cases reported in August, with 138 involving unlawful possession and five linked to cultivation of illicit drugs. A total of 135 individuals were charged with drug offenses, including three students.
Raikaci acknowledged the support from community and religious leaders in combating crime and emphasized the importance of collaboration for safer communities. He urged the public to report suspicious activities through Crime Stoppers at 919 or 917 to help protect vulnerable groups, including women and children.