Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran has expressed deep concern over the recent surge in reported robberies and burglaries, particularly incidents involving vulnerable members of communities.
Kiran says the latest reported incident involving 80-year-old Mahendra Nath, who was allegedly robbed at his home in Rokara Settlement, Khalsa Road, is deeply concerning.
She says this follows other reported incidents in recent weeks, including the robbery of a taxi driver in Nadi earlier this week, footage of which circulated widely on social media, as well as reports of daylight break-ins.
She says it is cruel, inhumane and completely unacceptable to prey on vulnerable people.
Kiran says when an 80-year-old man has even his basic food supplies taken from him, it goes beyond the loss of property and takes away his sense of safety, independence and dignity.
She says older people deserve to live in peace and security and Fiji must have zero tolerance for the normalisation of crime, particularly against older persons and other vulnerable members of society.
The Minister is also urging parents, guardians and families to speak with young people about honesty, hard work and the dignity of earning an income.
She says young people should respect the hard-earned income and belongings of others, adding that what may appear to be an easy gain represents someone else’s hours of work, sacrifice and saving.
Kiran says there is dignity in honest work and young people seeking employment should pursue opportunities available through the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Work Relations and other Government agencies.
The Ministry is calling for stronger community action, including establishing or strengthening Neighbourhood Watch zones and working closely with the Fiji Police Force, particularly in areas experiencing repeated incidents of robbery and burglary.
Families and neighbours are also being encouraged to regularly check on older people living alone and report suspicious activities to Police.
Kiran says communities must strengthen the values of veilomani, love for one another, and veirokovi, respect for one another.
She says protecting one another is a shared responsibility, and we must never allow crime against the vulnerable to become normal
She says every person has the right to feel safe in their own home.
She is also encouraging members of the public to cooperate with Police and provide any information or footage that may assist investigations.
