The Fiji Police Force has reported a total of 635 theft incidents recorded in July. Notably, three of these cases involved thefts amounting to over half a million dollars. These significant cases included multiple thefts from a restaurant, a supermarket, and a foreign exchange business, implicating six employees from these establishments.
Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew indicated that the overall crime rate for July this year saw a 52 percent rise compared to the same month last year, and a 17 percent increase from June. This surge in crime is attributed to incidents of theft, assault, and burglary.
Regarding assault cases, there was an increase of 96 incidents, with July 2024 reflecting 347 cases as opposed to 251 during the same period last year.
In drug-related matters, the quantity of illegal narcotics seized increased by 42 percent, with 188 instances reported compared to 132 from the previous year.