Crime needs multifaceted approach: Qiliho

Crime is multifaceted and therefore required an approach that effectively addresses it, says Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho.

“We will have the desired platform that will link all of us to enhance cooperation for effective crime prevention,” Brigadier General Qiliho said.

He said that the formation of the proposed National Crime Board would help Police and Crime Prevention Committees work together to lower crime rates.

He encouraged the attendees that they were links in the communities which had come aboard in addressing crime rates in their areas. “We look forward to more wonderful news of partnerships emanating from today’s Symposium and I urge us all not to let the momentum die,” he said.

The commissioner also said that the rise in sexual offences had become

an issue of concern during the first six months of 2017. “The most important question of “why”, especially with regards to sexual crimes that are being committed by close relatives, is a question that we have barely begun to answer,” he said. “Offences against property which include aggravated robberies and burglaries is another major area of concern for us.

“This is why under the Duavata Community Policing umbrella we recently introduced the ‘Know your neighbour concept’ which we are further developing into ‘becoming a friendly Fijian’.”

Mr Qiliho also said that the members of the Crime Prevention Committees under the Duavata Community Policing had the full support of the Fiji Police Force.