Authorities are advising the public to take necessary precautions to protect their homes and properties. Assistant Commissioner of Police – Operations (ACP) Livai Driu highlighted that numerous events and social gatherings are occurring, leading many families to leave their homes unattended, creating opportunities for criminal activities.
ACP Driu also urged school management to routinely check the security of their premises, as educational institutions can also become targets for crime.
In a recent incident, a 27-year-old man was arrested for allegedly being involved in a robbery at a secondary school in Lautoka, where he is accused of entering a senior official’s office and stealing various items. Lautoka Police are currently searching for additional suspects as the investigation continues.
ACP Driu mentioned that desperation can drive some individuals to commit crimes to address financial issues, which is consistent with trends observed during this time of year. He stressed the importance of vigilance among community members to prevent theft and robbery.
To enhance security, ACP Driu recommended that residents assess and reinforce vulnerable areas of their homes, ensuring doors and windows are secure. He encouraged homeowners to seek assistance from friends or neighbors to monitor any suspicious activity while they are away.
Further recommendations included creating a neighborhood chat group to share information about local occurrences and maintaining the habit of locking doors and securing valuables in cars to deter potential thieves.