The Fiji Police Force reported a 19 percent rise in overall crime in November compared to the same time last year. Notably, serious crimes increased by 10 percent, while crimes against women surged by 22 percent. The overall detection rate stood at 64 percent. In contrast, crimes against children saw a 9 percent decrease.
Interestingly, the Eastern division recorded a decline in both overall crime and crimes against women, while the other divisions experienced increases. The Southern, Eastern, and Northern divisions reported reductions in serious crimes and crimes against children, with the remainder of the divisions seeing a rise.
Among theft cases in November, 45 percent were resolved by law enforcement, whereas only 20 percent of burglary incidents were detected. The detection rate for aggravated robbery was found to be 16 percent.
Significantly, the Southern Division saw more cases of aggravated burglary and murder, while the Western Division also experienced increases in burglary, robbery, and aggravated robbery. Other areas, including the Eastern Division and Central Division, reported various rises in crimes like aggravated robbery, theft of motor vehicles, rape, and more.
Of the 217 cases of violence against women recorded in November, 80 percent were assault-related, with 20 percent categorized as sexual offenses. Alarmingly, 36 percent of these incidents occurred in domestic settings involving intimate partners.
Furthermore, crimes against children totaled 101 cases, with a near equal split between boys (52) and girls (49). Assault-related offenses constituted half of these cases, followed by sexual offenses at 40 percent.
While the numbers may seem daunting, the decrease in certain categories, particularly crimes against children, offers a glimmer of hope that community safety initiatives and law enforcement efforts may be taking effect. Strengthening community programs and support for victims could further improve these figures in the future.
Overall, it is crucial for local communities to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing these criminal behaviors to foster a safer environment for all.
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