A couple from the Western Division were victims of what may be the first reported robbery of the year.
Prinal Priya Devi, 32, from Tavua, and her partner Nalini Ranjani Prasad, 33, were staying at the Lautoka Hotel to celebrate New Year’s Eve when belongings valued at more than $2000 were allegedly stolen from their room.
Ms Devi said they checked into their hotel room around 11.15pm on New Year’s Eve.
After getting ready for the night, they left the room about 11.45pm to celebrate at a nearby nightclub.
“When we left, everything was in place — cash, backpacks, a watch, chargers, power banks, even our dinner from McDonald’s,” Ms Devi said.
Later in the night, a friend informed them of a robbery at the hotel. Upon returning to their room, they found the space ransacked, with cash and valuables missing.
“The cash was in a drawer, but the bag it was in was left behind.
“They took everything else, including the McDonald’s meal we had bought.”
The couple reported the incident to the hotel’s reception, where they were told that a suspect had been apprehended and taken to the Lautoka Police Station.
However, upon reaching the station, they were informed by officers that no suspect had been detained.
Ms Devi said waiting for the police at the hotel reception area from 2.30am to 6.30am was frustrating.
“The hotel manager reviewed CCTV footage but could not clearly identify the suspect’s face.”
Police later arrived at 9.30am to conduct a forensic investigation.
The robbery is believed to have occurred at 1.03am.
Authorities confirmed the incident saying investigations were ongoing.
