Taxi operators in Suva played a crucial role in the swift arrest of a man attempting to steal a vehicle with two young children inside. The incident unfolded last night when a 28-year-old woman was involved in a minor traffic accident on Victoria Parade and left her keys in the ignition while waiting for police assistance. In a shocking turn of events, a man jumped into the vehicle’s driver seat and drove off with the woman’s daughters in the back.
Upon being informed, the police quickly alerted local taxi operators about the stolen car. Using their Radio Transmitters (RT), the operators disseminated the information throughout their network. The suspect was later spotted on Rewa Street, where he stopped to let the two girls out of the vehicle.
A nearby taxi operator managed to intercept the stolen car, which bought valuable time for law enforcement to arrive and apprehend the suspect. The man attempted to resist arrest, resulting in the assault of four police officers; however, he was ultimately taken into custody, and investigations are still ongoing.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACPO) Livai Driu commended the rapid response of the taxi operators. “These taxi operators assisted the police in apprehending the culprit, demonstrating the power of working together to prevent crime,” stated ACP Driu.
As a gesture of appreciation, a team from the Totogo Police Station plans to visit the taxi operators today to thank them for their prompt actions in this critical situation.
This incident reflects the importance of community vigilance and collaboration in maintaining public safety. By working together, citizens and law enforcement can effectively deter criminal activity and ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals, particularly children.
For those following community safety initiatives, this incident serves as a reminder of the positive impact individuals can have when they remain alert and responsive to suspicious activities. It highlights the role that local professionals, like taxi operators, can play in crime prevention, thus fostering a more secure environment for everyone.
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