Theft, assault and burglary were among the most reported crimes in the Western Division in the month of August.

Divisional police commander West senior superintendent of police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa said while these criminal acts were at the top of the list, their division has noted a decrease in the overall crime rate.

“We have noticed that with break-ins, the perpetrators are walking off with smaller items,” said SSP Vaisewa.

“The most recent one that stood out was a break in where the criminal only stole liquor.

“When that happens, we know that those crimes are usually committed by youths.

“Some of them want to enjoy their social life, but instead of working for it, they go and steal.

“But that does not stop the police from investigating these crimes.

“Even if the smallest item is stolen, they are investigated.

“What we want to inform the public when the offender is unknown, the investigation will take some time and then, on top of that, we have to go back to the community to assist with relevant information that could help us find the offender.”

SSP Vaisewa said the decrease in crime rate over the past month was encouraging.

“For last month, we managed to detect more than 70 per cent of the suspects behind all the crimes that were reported in the Western Division.

“That is quite a significant number and shows that police are doing its best to investigate each and every report that is filed with us.

“This was again made possible with the assistance of the public and we would like to thank them for that.”

He added that while criminal activities have reduced, people should remain vigilant.

“People have to look out for each other within their communities.

“That also means knowing your neighbour.

“Build a strong and trusting relationship with them that you are able to share information with them, especially when you have to go out.

“And you also ensure that you don’t abuse that trust in your relationship.”