Police Chief Operations Officer ACP Maretino Qiolevu says over the last two‑week period they have recorded a decrease in reports of aggravated robberies and nil assault cases in the Suva City area contrary to a media report stating several cases have been noted where nightclub patrons and those coming out of restaurants have been attacked and robbed, and a few have been brutally assaulted.
ACP Qiolevu says they acknowledge with gratitude the role of the media in highlighting issues of concern and had earlier acknowledged the need to increase visibility which has been done vigorously over the last two weeks and the issue highlighted in the media report that a lot of people have been attacked at or near the specific places named in the article is questionable because it does not give a period of time as to when the attacks occurred as in the past two weeks they have seen a decrease in the two crimes of concern.
The Police Chief Operations Officer says the media report also states that these cases have not been reported to Police which again is a reason as to why Police cannot take action and arrest people in the absence of a report which gives them the legal authority to arrest and question suspects.
However he confirms that they continue to deploy their officers based on past trends and media reports that have highlighted concerns and also in light of the anticipated rise in petty theft, and had increased visibility throughout the week, pulling manpower from various Units.
ACP Qiolevu also says that they have always pleaded with people to come forward and report matters so that they can investigate it thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice and the media report painting Suva city as being unsafe is worrying as it is contrary to what we have witnessed these past two weeks.
He also urges everyone to take ownership of their safety and enjoy themselves responsibly as the over indulgence of alcohol limits one’s ability to make decisions for their safety.
Fijivillage had received verified reports of assaults and robberies outside or near nightclubs in Suva over the last two months, and Police have increased operations to combat this.
Attacks outside nightclubs have been a topic of discussion for quite some time. People have raised concerns where nightclub patrons are attacked and this does not happen only during the festive season as many people are now out in the capital city from Wednesday to Sunday.
People have been attacked at or near these places; Dragon Nightclub, Victoria Parade Service Station, the Suva Library area, opposite O'Reilly's Nightclub, the footpath from O’Reillys to Onyx Nightclub, opposite Vineyard Restaurant and along Carnarvon Street.
Fijivillage has also reported earlier of instances where families going to restaurants in that vicinity have been attacked.
Some of these cases have not been reported to Police.
We continue to encourage people to file reports with Police if they are attacked or assaulted. People are also advised to drink responsibly.
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