Police have alerted school administrations in Labasa to refrain from storing large amounts of cash on their premises. This warning follows a notable uptick in break-ins at both primary and secondary schools in the region.
Authorities are urging educational institutions to adopt enhanced security measures to avert further incidents. Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, the Divisional Police Commander for Northern Fiji, reported an increased frequency of break-ins within schools this month.
These burglaries have taken place in canteens, classrooms, and various administrative offices. Police emphasize the necessity for schools to implement preventive strategies to protect their facilities and assets.
Baledrokadroka detailed several recent incidents, with the first occurring between August 5 and 6, when an assailant allegedly forced open the main door of a secondary school in Labasa Town, accessed the canteen, and stole cash and various items.
The second incident took place at a primary school just outside Labasa Town, where an intruder forcibly entered the main office and stole cash between August 8 and 9. A similar case involved a break-in at a notable college in Labasa, where someone broke into the principal’s office and took cash between August 9 and 11.
On August 14 and 15, another burglary happened at a shared primary and secondary school, leading to the theft of cash and various goods, along with snacks. The most recent incident occurred between August 16 and 17 at a primary school in Labasa Town, where assorted snacks, items, and cash were stolen.
As schools prepare for the upcoming holidays, SSP Baledrokadroka highlighted the critical importance of ensuring adequate security for school properties. He urged that teachers and school management collaborate to ensure a watchman is on duty at all times, reinforcing that security measures must be continuously maintained.