A surge in vehicle and boat thefts at Bau Landing has residents of Bau Island and nearby communities on edge, with property and personal safety increasingly under threat.
Turaga na Tunitoga, Ratu Aisea Komaitai said in January alone, thieves stole a fiberglass boat, a 40-horsepower outboard engine, three fuel tanks, and broke into at least one vehicle.
The crime wave continued on February 13 when a car lost all four wheels.
“A couple of weeks ago, robbers tried to steal the tyres of my car in the vicinity, but failed,” Ratu Aisea said, stressing that the landing is a key transit hub for Bau, Viwa, Nakoroivau, and Namuka communities.
He is disappointed by what he claims to be government’s inaction over the issue.
“We have been asking for a police post here at Bau Landing, but it falls on deaf ears. It’s been years of car theft, boat theft and robbery.”
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said a working group had been established to explore solutions such as a Water Police base, CCTV, and mobile coverage.
