Crime stats

THE Fiji Police Force’s 2022 Annual Crime Key Performance Overall Crime Indicator (KPI) recorded a 7 per cent reduction, which Commissioner of Police Brigadier, General Sitiveni Qiliho has attributed to the support of all Fijians and law enforcement partners through various Community Policing efforts.

Brigadier General Qiliho acknowledged the support of the general populace, Government, stakeholders and law enforcement partners, and noted the Duavata

Community Policing initiative. This, he said, assisted in achieving the overall reduction in crime in the 2022 operational year.

We agree with Brigadier General Qiliho that Police cannot fight crime alone. It needs the support of all Fijians, Government, civil society, religious groups and regional and international law enforcement partners.

We learn that the proactive policing posture adopted during the month of December also resulted in the overall reduction of crime by 16 per cent.

We are encouraged by the latest statistics, however, we note the 42 per cent increase in the number of illicit drugs cases registered.

This, we learn, is a reflection of the joint efforts between police and the community in tackling the illegal drug trade.

There is concern though about a few crimes that recorded increases in December.

In saying that, the Southern Division recorded increases in reports of rape and attempted rape, and increase of reports of defilement of young persons between 13-16 years.

The Western Division recorded an increase in murder cases, increase in aggravated robberies recording, increase in arson and setting fire to crop cases, and theft of motor vehicle.

The Eastern Division recorded increases in rape and attempted rape cases, increase in aggravated robbery cases, and increases in burglary and theft of motor vehicle cases.

The Northern Division recorded increases in burglary cases.

We are reminded about the need for us to know the extent of the illicit drug trade in Fiji, especially on Methamphetamine.

We look up to the powers that be to reassure us all that a concerted effort is being made to fight this scourge of society.

We also look up to the powers that be to reassure us all that gang warfare in the Capital City is under control, and that every effort is being made to get to the root causes and appropriately deal with them.

Any positive feedback about the crime situation in the country is welcomed.

We look up to the powers that be to ensure any inkling of destabilisation is effectively dealt with.

The police need our support. Our challenge is to consider, and appreciate the guidelines that exist as laws for us all.