COMMISSIONER of Police Rusiate Tudravu must treat the fear expressed by communities as a serious operational warning.
National Federation Party president Parmod Chand said the rise in petty crimes, including robberies, burglaries and attacks on taxidrivers required a stronger police response.
He said groups loitering at known crime hotspots, intimidating members of the public, harassing drivers, consuming alcohol, selling drugs or watching potential victims should be dealt with firmly and lawfully.
“Law abiding people should not be made prisoners in their homes while criminal elements are allowed to dominate public spaces, taxi bases, bus stands, shopping areas and residential neighbourhoods.”
Mr Chand said two taxidrivers were badly assaulted in Wainibokasi over the past two months, with one allegedly robbed and his taxi stolen.
He said another driver was allegedly assaulted in Nadi before his cash, mobile phone and vehicle were taken.
“Cunningham residents had also reported repeated robberies, purse snatching and an attempted stabbing, while homes, shops and a temple had been targeted.”
Mr Chand said the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions reported nine counts of theft, seven counts of aggravated burglary and four counts of aggravated robbery prosecuted in July.
He called for the commissioner to publish divisional crime, detection and prosecution figures.
