Crime rates in the Western Division of Fiji have seen a significant reduction of 14 percent, according to recent statistics highlighted by Superintendent Lepani Liga, the Fiji Police Force Manager for Community Policing West.
During his announcement regarding the crime statistics, Liga shared that the Western Division, home to an estimated 340,000 residents, is supported by a dedicated force of 1,324 police officers. While the current police-to-public ratio has not yet met the targeted standards, Liga emphasized that ongoing efforts are being made to enhance policing strategies within the division.
“This requires a multi-faceted approach. We cannot do it alone. For the betterment of our country, we need to work together,” said Liga, underscoring the importance of community involvement in crime reduction.
The data reveals that in 2024, there were 7,724 reported criminal offences, which decreased to 6,670 in 2025. Liga attributes this decline to the positive impact of increased community collaboration. Of the total offences recorded last year, 35 percent were related to property while nearly 27 percent involved personal harm. Notably, there were also 673 drug-related incidents, representing about 10 percent of the total.
Liga pointed out that many individuals committing these offences were unemployed, even though some possessed strong educational backgrounds. He is encouraging a united front involving the vanua (traditional communities), church groups, community leaders, and other stakeholders to bolster efforts in preventing crime in the area.
This positive trend in crime reduction not only reflects effective policing but also highlights the critical role of community engagement in fostering a safer environment. With continued collaboration among various sectors of society, the hope is to maintain and further these improvements in public safety.
Leave a comment