Statement

The overall crime rate for the month of January 2023 recorded a 13% reduction, with 1,265 reports recorded compared to 1,456 reported the same period last year.

The operational posture adopted during the month of January, in anticipation of the high number of social activities, festive season, and school holidays, has also resulted in reduction of other Crime Key Performance Indicators.

Serious crime recorded a decrease of 28%, Crimes against Women recorded a reduction of 11%, Crimes against Children recorded a decrease of 10%, while the increased tempo of drug operations led to more arrests resulting in a 13% increase in the number of illicit drugs cases registered.

While an overall reduction in crime has been registered for the month of January, there still remains offences that are of concern throughout the Divisions which include, sexual and property-related offences.

Overall crimes against women recorded a decrease of 11% for the month of January with 193 reports received compared to 216 reports for the same period last year.

Crimes against children for the month of January recorded a 10% reduction, whereby 89 reports were received in 2023 compared to 99 for the same period last year.

However, statistics continue to show the worrying trend of women and children falling victims to crime within their own homes, with male family members as perpetrators.

Of the 193 cases, 39 of the reports were domestic-related, perpetrated by spouses, parent and other relatives.

Eighty-five percent (85%) were family members as perpetrators in domestic settings, 17% of the reports were sexual offences while 83% were assault-related.

Similar worrying trends are being recorded with crimes against children. Of the 89 reports, 80% were perpetrated my male family members in a domestic setting.

These were parent-child relationships, cousins, uncles and aunts, and other relatives.

Addressing Crimes against women remain one of the main focus and key priorities.

Efforts are being directed towards the strengthening of partnerships with stakeholders through various available platforms under the Duavata Community Policing initiative through the vanua, religion, sports, youth and music as these are crimes that need to be addressed in a holistic manner, through collaboration.

ACTING COMMISSIONER OF POLICE JUKI FONG CHEW