The Fiji Police Force has noted a significant increase in the overall crime rate, with 1730 in the month of September compared with 1348 during the same period last year.
In a statement, Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci said the top five prevalent offences were theft recorded to be at 487, assault causing bodily harm at 298 with 193 recorded for burglary and aggravated, unlawful possession of illicit drugs at 140 and 71 recorded cases for criminal intimidation. He said of the 223 cases against women, 84 per cent were assault-related and 16 per cent sexual offences.
He added 40 per cent of the women were victims of their spouse, de-facto or partners. ACP Raikaci said of the crimes against children recorded at 117, 90 of the victims were girls and 27 boys.
“About 66 per cent were sexual offences, 29 per cent were assault-related, and 5 per cent linked to other offences,” he said.
“Fifteen per cent were domestic related involving parent-child relationships, uncle-niece-nephew, and other relatives. The increase in the crimes against children was mainly due to the rise in assault causing actual bodily harm cases (from 18 to 26 cases).”
ACP Raikaci said about 118 cases of sexual offences were also recorded, with the most common being rape.
He said there were 150 drug cases identified, of which 140 were related to unlawful possession of illicit drugs and 10 cases of unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs.
“On the types of drugs involved, 23 were related to methamphetamine, and the remaining 127 cases were related to marijuana.”
He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to stringent operations ahead of the festive season and requests that the rule of law be adhered to for safer communities for all.
