Fiji’s Crime Reports Surge: What Does It Mean for Safety?

A total of 4,703 crime reports have been submitted to the Police in Fiji this month, according to the Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua. This information was presented in Parliament and reflects a proactive stance by law enforcement to combat crime, particularly drug-related offenses.

Minister Naivalurua explained that the rise in crime reports is largely due to intensified police efforts aimed at addressing drug issues. He noted that this month’s total is down from 5,202 reports in March 2024, indicating some fluctuations in the crime trends. For instance, instances of aggravated burglary have decreased from 225 cases in December 2024 to 159 cases in February 2025. Similarly, aggravated robbery cases fell from 51 to 36, demonstrating positive outcomes from the police’s focused interventions.

On the matter of street violence, which has not seen reports in the past three months, Naivalurua clarified that it is not explicitly categorized under the Crimes Act of 2009, with assault being the primary reportable crime. Analysis of the offenders revealed that a significant portion hold jobs, and farmers account for 13.5% of those involved in crime.

The Minister expressed confidence in the effectiveness of current policing operations, emphasizing a commitment to eradicating crime through diverse strategic measures. “The rate at which these crimes are committed is quite unprecedented, which is why we continue to work steadfastly toward their eradication,” he stated.

This update reflects ongoing challenges and the evolution of crime in Fiji but also highlights the dedicated approach by the police to improve community safety through targeted actions. The commitment to modernize the police force, engage with the community, and tackle various crime categories presents a hopeful pathway toward enhanced public safety.

Looking forward, the Fiji Police Force aims to strengthen its operations further and foster community collaboration to address crime effectively, illustrating a commitment to a safer environment for all residents.