Police Adopt Covert Tactics This Weekend
The Fiji Police Force will adopt covert tactics in its operations this weekend as opportunistic criminals will be targeting nightclub goers. Police Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho said deploying non-uniformed officers was a tried and tested method that had produced results in the past.
Police officers dressed in plain clothes was a method designed to trick criminals into committing offences in plain view of these officers.
“We see that as an effective way to deal with it (crime) and I think it’s being noticed,” Brigadier-General Qiliho said.
He also said criminals saw opportunity in partygoers exiting nightclubs after a few round of drinking.
“We need to look after people who are enjoying themselves at night because we have a group of people targeting them; especially when they are coming out of nightclubs when they’ve had a few to drink and are in a vulnerable state,” he said.
“People are targeting them so we have to look after them – we are duty-bound to look after everyone. There might be plenty cases coming in but we want to ask the public to bear with us (because) we will deal them.”
Fiji Sun this month had reported on a spot, at the corner of Victoria Parade and McArthur Street, Suva, in front a popular nightclub that had become prone to muggings.
Criminals may try and exploit the large number of people expected to pour into cities and towns to celebrate the New Year.
Traditionally, a large P-olice deployment provides security at street parties synonymous with New Year celebrations in Fiji.
With ‘opportunistic’ crimes on the rise, police are expected to be on full-alert this weekend.