A couple from Tavua, Prinal Priya Devi, 32, and her partner Nalini Ranjani Prasad, 33, experienced an unfortunate incident during their New Year’s Eve celebration at the Lautoka Hotel, as they became the victims of what might be the first robbery reported this year.
The couple had checked into their hotel room around 11:15 PM to ring in the New Year. After preparing for their night out, they exited their room by 11:45 PM, leaving behind their belongings, which included cash, a watch, chargers, and even their takeout dinner from McDonald’s. Everything was secured upon their departure.
However, later in the evening, they received a distressing update from a friend regarding a robbery at the hotel. Upon their return, they found their room in disarray, with cash and valuables missing, although the bag containing their cash was left behind in a drawer. Ms. Devi expressed their shock at the items taken, noting even their fast-food meal had been stolen.
The couple reported the theft to the hotel reception, where they were informed that a suspect had been apprehended and taken to the Lautoka Police Station. However, upon arriving at the station, they discovered that no suspect had been detained. The couple faced a long and frustrating wait at the hotel reception from 2:30 AM to 6:30 AM while police were delayed.
The hotel management did review CCTV footage but could not clearly identify the suspect involved. The robbery is believed to have taken place around 1:03 AM, and authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the incident.
In the face of a distressing situation, the couple has shown resilience. This incident serves as a reminder for travelers to remain vigilant and secure their belongings, especially during festive times when incidents like these can occur. As investigations continue, there is hope that the authorities will successfully identify the perpetrator and ensure that such incidents are addressed to enhance the safety of guests in the future.
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