The Korotasere Police Post in Vanua Levu is currently operating with only five officers, despite being responsible for the safety and security of over 4500 residents, according to a resident, Rosa Chute.
“Based on our research, the station is supposed to have 11 officers,” she said.
Ms Chute said the post was severely under-resourced and unable to meet the growing demands of the area.
“They simply don’t have enough resources. Even if a vehicle isn’t available, at the very least, give them a horse.”
She said the five police officers were responsible for covering a large and challenging area to monitor.
“There’s no point in being angry at the thieves when the police themselves aren’t equipped to respond properly.”
She said she raised this after her family had experienced four theft incidents alone this year.
“In March, they built a second farmhouse in the middle of our kava farm and installed solar lights.
“Since the last robbery, my husband, sons, and nephews have been patrolling the area every night.”
In response, the Acting Commissioner of Police, Aporosa Lutunauga, said the situation would improve soon.
Mr Lutunauga confirmed that 500 new officers would be brought in with the start of the new financial year.
“The government has done its part; now it’s up to us, the police, to follow through,” he said.
He said operational deployments were already underway in key areas, including Korotasere.
