Concerns are being raised by members of the public about the need for greater police presence in communities; however, the Fiji Police Force has today said that cases of burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and theft decreased from January to July this year compared to the same period in 2025.
This follows a call from National Federation Party President, Parmod Chand for intensified foot and mobile patrols around residential areas, taxi bases, bus stands, markets and identified crime hotspots.
He says the Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu, must immediately increase Police visibility and confront the growing public concern over robberies, burglaries and attacks on taxi drivers.
Chand adds that snap checkpoints, night patrols and targeted operations against repeat offenders, receivers of stolen property, drug dealers and people carrying offensive weapons must be strengthened, and Crime Prevention Committees must also be reactivated so communities can communicate directly with officers responsible for their areas.
He stresses law abiding people should not be made prisoners in their homes while criminal elements are allowed to dominate public spaces, taxi bases, bus stands, shopping areas and residential neighbourhoods.
Chand says groups loitering at known crime hotspots, intimidating members of the public, harassing drivers, consuming alcohol, selling drugs or watching potential victims must be dealt with firmly and lawfully.
According to Police, burglary cases decreased by 7.3 percent, robbery by 32.8 percent, aggravated robbery by 17.8 percent, aggravated burglary by 7.7 percent, while theft cases decreased by 7.9 percent.
However, Police say theft of vehicles increased from 31 cases between January and July last year to 51 cases during the same period this year.
They say while it accepts criticism of its operations in relation to recent cases of aggravated robbery and burglary, it is also calling for community and whole-of-nation support, as arrests alone will not provide a long-lasting solution.
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says the Fiji Police Force takes seriously the comments made about police operations, adding that operational measures are being adopted to ensure responses are proactive rather than reactive.
Tudravu has stressed the urgent need for a whole-of-society approach to address the root causes of crime and other social ills.
He says there are individuals entering the criminal justice system who are habitual offenders with multiple theft or burglary cases, which raises critical questions of why, and what can be an effective deterrent.
The Commissioner has also acknowledged investments in CCTV cameras by the private and public sectors, which have assisted investigative efforts.
However, he stressed that this must not be misconstrued to mean that Police only act following the release of information on social media.
Tudravu says the posture and strategies adopted by Police operations during the first six months have contributed to the reduction in these crimes.
He adds that the overall crime rate also recorded an 11 percent reduction during the same reporting period, with 11,387 cases recorded in 2025 compared to 10,106 cases this year.
The Commissioner says while these figures may be met with scepticism, the Fiji Police Force accepts constructive criticism to avoid predictable policing patterns that could be exploited by offenders.
He says meaningful discussions are needed on possible solutions, whether that means revisiting laws as a deterrent or providing alternatives for those who have developed a worrying reliance on crime as a means of earning a living.
He says the conversation must be had, and the Fiji Police Force is inviting stakeholders to engage through its Community Policing arm.
The Commissioner adds that everyone needs to work together because what is posted on social media and reported in the media ultimately impacts the nation as a whole, irrespective of race, gender, religion or political affiliation.
He says crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
