Rising youth delinquency on Ovalau is contributing to the 1.5 per cent national crime rate attributed to the Lomaiviti Province.
Director for Community Policing, Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Chand said most offences recorded in Lomaiviti occured on Ovalau Island. While noting that Lomaiviti remained the safest province in the country, he said Ovalau recorded the highest crime incidents within the province.
SSP Chand identified Vatukalo, Natokalau, Levuka Town, Waitovu and Tokou as the main “red zones”areas.
“Most crime on the island is concentrated on the eastern side, including the sale and consumption of illicit drugs as well as theft,” he said.
He said accessibility and population movement were key contributing factors to the crime statistics.
Police data shows that a significant proportion of offenders are aged under 35, accounting for 63.1 per cent of all cases.
Mr Chand stressed the importance of engaging young people in community development efforts, warning that their exclusion could hinder progress.
He also called on local councils to develop stronger crime-prevention strategies to support efforts in combating drugs and other criminal activities.
