Overall crime rate increases by 30% between 15th Dec 2017 - 15th Jan 2018

The overall crime rate increased by 30% between 15th December 2017 to 15th January this year compared to the same period last year however serious crimes and crimes against women and children have recorded decreases.

Police Chief of Operations ACP Rusiate Tudravu says the festive season Operation Yalodei ended with the focus on serious crime achieving the desired results reflecting the joint effort of the Fiji Police Force and members of the public.

The focus for the one month period from the 15th of December to 15th January 2018 was on overall crime, serious crime (crimes against women and children, aggravated robbery, burglary, aggravated burglar and drugs) and fatalities.

There was a 45% reduction in serious crimes, 10% reduction in crimes against women and 50% reduction in crimes against children.

ACP Tudravu says the increase in overall crime was due to the multiple counts on three cases of money laundering whereby in one report two suspects were charged with 299 counts of money laundering.

He says the capabilities of the CID Money Laundering and Fraud, as well as Cyber Crime Unit, resulted in the quick arrest and charging of the accused persons.

The increase is also attributed to the increased tempo of operations on drugs whereby a number of raids were conducted during the one month period.

ACP Tudravu says the reduction of crimes against women and children was one of their main targets and they have managed to record four reports of rape and attempted rape and 3 cases of defilement between 13 to 16 years during the operation period.

Robbery and aggravated robbery was another key focus with projections indicating an increase and while they have been able to reduce the number of reports during the Operation it is an achievement for the Northern Division to record nil reports for the 30 day period.

The Southern, Western and Eastern Division recorded 14, 9 and 1 case respectively and again these crimes are being committed by opportunists.

ACP Tudravu says the support from the public has also been overwhelming and it is through visitations that they have been able to forge a solid working relationship with individuals and business operators who have shown their willingness to support the work of the Police and fight crime.