Stats

The overall crime rate during the month of August 2024 recorded an increase of 8% when compared to the same period last year. Serious crime recorded an increase by 11%, Crimes against Women increased by 4% and Crimes against Children increased by 25%.

The Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci said the prevalent offences for the month of August were theft (411), assault causing actual bodily harm (291), burglary and aggravated burglary (189). While theft recorded a decrease in August 2024 compared to the same period last year, it was the main contributing factor to the increase in overall crime.

Assault cases rose from 250 in August 2023 to 291 this year. 86 of the cases were domestic related. Burglary rose from 164 cases in August 2023 to 189 for the same period this year.

Burglary cases were recorded in urban, peri-urban and rural areas. Robbery and aggravated robbery statistics have shown the most common mode being grab and runs where mobile phones, handbags, wallets and cash were items mostly targeted.

During the month of August, concerted efforts have been made targeting alleged receivers of stolen property to cut the root source of theft and burglaries. The Acting Commissioner went on to say, “Our operations are already focused on the busy festive season and we will align our strategies and measures to counter cases of theft and burglaries as it often records a spike during the period.”

Of concern for yet another reporting month are crimes against women and children. In August 2024, the crime against women recorded 184 cases, 88% were assault-related and 12% were sexual offences.

Assault causing actual bodily harm contributed to an increase in crimes against women by recording 129 cases when compared to the same period last year.

41% of the 184 cases were domestic-related where the perpetrator was a spouse or in a defacto /partner relationship. Crimes against Children recorded 138 cases where 93 were girls and 45 were boys. Of the recorded cases, 54% were sexual offences, 33% were assault-related and 13% linked to other offences.

22% were domestic related involving cousins, parent-child relationship and other relatives. The increase in the crimes against children was mainly due to the rise in assault cases from 23 to 35 cases, followed by abduction of person under 18 from 5 to 22 cases, and Sexual assaults from 7 to 20 cases.

The month of August recorded 143 drug cases when compared to the same period last year, and 138 were related to the unlawful possession of illicit drugs and five (5) were cases of unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs.

26 cases were related to Methamphetamine, five (5) cases related to both marijuana and methamphetamine and the remaining 112 cases were linked to marijuana. The Acting Commissioner said a total of 135 persons were charged for drug-related offences, some facing multiple counts, three (3) of whom were students.

In accordance with efforts of ensuring accountability of police officers and their actions, five (5) police officers were charged in August for sexual offences, assault, drug offences and the breach of the Domestic Violence Restraining Order.

Police officers were also victims of crime, in particular during the execution of their duties. Acting Commissioner Raikaci said there were 25 cases of serious assault where Police were victims, one (1) case of obstruction of an officer in due execution of their duties and nine (9) cases of resisting arrest. “Policing is challenging and everyday officer’s risk their safety and lives in the execution of their duties, and this is part of the work that we signed up for, and we are committed to overcoming these challenges for our communities.” “In comparison to the previous month of July, there is a 17?crease in the overall crime rate and this shows the holistic and collaborative efforts by both police and community in addressing crime.” Making reference to the increased show of support towards policing efforts, the Acting Commissioner said, “The Fiji Police Force appreciates the pledges and commitments made by religious and community leaders in curbing crime in our communities.

We need to keep the momentum going and continuously look at ways to enhance collaboration for safer communities.”

“There is strength in numbers and together we can curb illegal activities and protect our women and children, and the vulnerable communities by reporting suspicious activities and crimes through Crime stoppers on 919 or 917.”