7pc reduction in crime
WHILE the Fiji Police Force recorded a 7 per cent reduction in overall crime last year, there is still scope for improvement as drug and sex-related offences dominate over petty offences.
Statistics released as part of Fiji Police Force’s 2022 Annual Crime Key Performance Overall Crime Indicator (KPI) showed there was a 42 per cent increase in the number of illicit drugs cases registered.
This, Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho highlighted, was a reflection of the joint efforts between police and the community in tackling the illegal drug trade.
There were some crimes which recorded increases in various divisions throughout December.
In the Southern Division, reports of rape and attempted rape increased from five in 2021 to 19 for the same period last year.
Two reports of defilement of young persons between 13 to 16 years were recorded compared to zero in 2021. Three reports of motor vehicle theft were also recorded.
For the Western Division, three murder cases were lodged, nine aggravated robberies, two instances of arson and setting fire to crop and five reports of motor vehicle theft.
The Eastern Division recorded seven cases of rape and attempted rape, seven of aggravated robbery and an increase in burglary and theft of motor vehicle cases.
In the North, 17 burglary cases were recorded. The Central Division also recorded three cases of motor vehicle theft.
Addressing the statistics, Brig-Gen Qiliho said he acknowledged the support of the general populace, Government, stakeholders and law enforcement partners in working with police to drive crime rates down.
“The 2022 policing year has been a busy one, where police has been focused on health security, overall national security operations with the hosting of regional and international meetings and the year ending with the conduct of the national general elections and festive season,” Brig-Gen Qiliho said.
He said police could not fight crime alone, and required the support of all Fijians, Government, civil society, religious groups and regional and international law enforcement partners.
More detailed information is expected to be released in the Fiji Police Force’s 2022 Annual Report at a later date.