The Lautoka Chamber of Commerce and divisional police leadership have reported a shift in crime patterns, with a general reduction in serious offences but an increase in public nuisance issues.
Lautoka Chamber of Commerce president Richard Shafiq said major crimes such as break-ins had stabilised, thanks to increased police presence.
“Crime rate, at this stage I could say that the crime rate in Lautoka has been a bit more controlled than previous years because I don’t think there is a crime rate but there is a lot of drunkards only moving around, that’s it,” he said.
He noted that while the city compares favourably with other urban centres, business owners face specific social challenges.
“The crime rate if you see compared with Suva, it has been controlled a bit. But yes, there are a lot of drunkards who are dancing in front of the shops and people are sleeping in front of shops, that is the only issue we are facing at this moment,” he said.
“But in terms of break-ins and burglary, not that much, I think the police patrol is quite high, especially with this festive season and I hope they maintain this way. Yeah, that has come to a control, a bit.”
Divisional Police Commander West SSP Iakobo Vaisewa said police are addressing public intoxication and disorderly conduct.
“It’s a general reduction, and I continue to thank the members of the public for their support, eh? And I can feel their understanding in them taking ownership of their own security.”
He added that police remain strict on alcohol and drug offenses in public.
“Actually, the drug addicts and I can tell you we also made arrest on minor offenders like taking illegal in public place and drug disorderly and we are strict on that, on the people who are found drunk in town and disorderly in public because they are not supposed to drink here.”
