Theft topped Fiji’s crime statistics last month with 352 cases recorded, as police move to step up proactive community policing targeting people aged 18 to 35.
According to the Fiji Police Force, the other most prevalent offences were assault causing actual bodily harm with 230 cases, burglary with 157, unlawful possession of illicit drugs with 89 and criminal intimidation with 75.
The Western Division recorded the highest number of theft cases at 134, followed by the North with 98, South 50, East 48 and Central 22.
Police said most thefts involved unattended items and cash, while 36 cases involved livestock and animal theft.
Police noted that majority of alleged offenders were males aged between 18 and 35.
The Western Division recorded 82 of the 230 assault cases, with police saying most were domestic-related.
Burglary was highest in the Southern Division, which recorded 66 cases.
Of the 89 drug possession cases, 36 were recorded in the West, with marijuana linked to the majority of cases and a smaller number involving methamphetamine.
Police said overall crime increased by 11 per cent in August compared with August 2025 but decreased by 6 per cent compared with July 2026.
“Operations will be increasing the tempo of proactive community policing initiatives targeting young people between the ages of 18-35 years of age,” police said in a statement.
Police said there would also be a particular focus on minor offences, which could lead to other crimes, as well as proactive crime prevention awareness.
