The Fiji Police Force has expressed concern over a troubling rise in crimes against children. Last month, the police reported a 25 percent increase in such crimes, totaling 138 cases—comprising 93 girls and 45 boys.
Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci highlighted that 54 percent of these cases were sexual offenses, 33 percent related to assaults, and 13 percent categorized under other offenses. Additionally, 22 percent of the incidents were linked to domestic situations involving family members such as cousins and parents.
Raikaci pointed out that the surge in crimes against children was driven primarily by a rise in assault cases, which increased from 23 to 35, as well as a jump in abductions of minors from 5 to 22 cases, and a rise in sexual assaults from seven to 20 cases. Overall, the crime rate has seen an eight percent increase compared to the same month last year, with serious crimes rising by 11 percent, crimes against women by four percent, and those against children by 25 percent.
In an effort to hold officers accountable, five police members were charged last month with various offenses, including sexual crimes, assault, drug violations, and breaches of the Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO). Raikaci acknowledged that police officers also face risks, with 25 cases of serious assaults against officers reported, alongside obstruction and resisting arrest incidents.
Addressing drug-related issues, Raikaci noted that there were 143 cases in August, mostly tied to illegal possession of controlled substances. In total, 135 individuals faced charges for drug offenses, including three students.
Raikaci commended the support from community and religious leaders in combatting crime and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance safety in local communities. He encouraged the public to report suspicious activities through Crime Stoppers.