The Fiji Police Force has reported a total of 635 theft incidents for the month of July. Among these, three cases were significant, involving thefts from a restaurant, a supermarket, and a foreign exchange outlet, with the total value of stolen items exceeding half a million dollars. Six employees from these establishments were implicated in these incidents.
Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew stated that the overall crime rate for July saw a 52 percent increase compared to the same month in 2023, and a 17 percent rise from June. This surge in crime is attributed to rises in theft, assault, and burglary cases.
In terms of assault, the police recorded an increase of 96 incidents, totaling 347 cases in July 2024, compared to 251 cases during the same month last year.
Furthermore, there was a notable rise in illegal drug-related activities, with drug instances increasing by 42 percent. A total of 188 drug cases were reported this July, up from 132 cases the previous year.