October crime stats

The overall crime rate for the month of October increased by 6% when compared to the same period last year.

Crimes against children recorded an increase of 39%, Serious Crime an increase of 17%, increase in crimes against women by 0.5% and 13% increase in the number of illicit drug cases registered.

The prevalent offences for the month of October 2024 were theft (376) cases, assault causing actual bodily harm (286), burglary and aggravated (205), unlawful possession of illicit drugs (176) and criminal intimidation (71).

Crimes against children recorded a worrying increase of 39%, where 64% were sexual offences, 28% assault related and 8% other offences.

13% were domestic related where 100% of the perpetrators were male family members. The victims comprised of 90 girls and 78 boys.

Crimes against women recorded an increase of 0.5% where 85% were assault related and 15% sexual offences. 36% were domestic related with 67 spousal/de-facto/partner relationship and 11 were perpetrated by relatives.

Serious crime increased by 17%, Sexual offences increased by 32% and domestic violence against women and children increased by 42%.

Cases of robbery and aggravated robbery recorded decreases during the reporting period.

The increase in the number of illicit drug cases registered was linked to an increase in the Southern, Western and Central Divisions.

Of the 181 cases recorded, 176 were related to the unlawful possession of illicit drugs and 5 were cases of unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs. Majority of the cases (160 cases) were related to Marijuana, 20 cases were related to Methamphetamine, and a case was related to cocaine.

A total of 4 police officers were charged with assault causing actual bodily harm, rape and receiving a bribe. 

During the reporting period, there were 22 cases of serious assaults on police officers.

The Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew said with the increase in crimes against women and children occurring mostly within domestic settings, the Fiji Police Force will continue the momentum of engaging with stakeholders to address the root causes of these crimes.

Acting Commissioner said the increase in registered drug cases reflect the momentum on the war on drugs as efforts to disrupt, dismantle and destabilise illicit networks continue with the support of the community.

“This year we launched our festive season operation with stakeholders present as this is the way forward in that we need to work together for the sake of safe communities.”