Crimes against women remains a major concern – Police

The worrying concerns continue as domestic-related crimes against women make up 27 percent of the 213 cases in October this year, which were mostly committed by a spouse or partner.

Although Police have reported a 2 percent decrease in the crime rate in October, they say crimes against women remain a concern in our country with a 0.5 percent increase recorded for the month of October compared to the same period last year.

Of the 213 women victims, 156 were aged between 18 to 38 years, 51 aged between 39 to 59 years while 6 victims were over the age of 60 years.

Police say 15 percent of the offences reported were sexual offences while 85 percent were assault related offences.

Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew says the recent issues highlighted by the media of police’s inaction or failure to properly handle domestic violence cases, is being addressed to ensure women victims do not feel further victimized by the laxity of police.

The Acting Commissioner has reminded Police officers of the “No Drop Policy” as well as the internal directive of resolving Domestic Violence Cases within 48 hours, adding Police should not be hindering efforts in addressing domestic violence, and do their part by effectively executing their duties.

With school holidays nearing, Police also say community policing visitations to schools is being heightened with officers conducting safety awareness to students.

They say while crimes against children recorded a decrease of 24 percent, it is still worrying to note that 12 percent of the 121 crimes committed against children were committed in a domestic setting by family members.

Robberies and burglaries remain a concern

Police report October recorded a 2% reduction in the crime rate

Burglary, aggravated robbery, robbery, rape and theft of motor vehicle cases recorded increases in the Western Division from January to October this year compared to the same period last year.

There were 59 burglary cases in October this year in the West compared to 47 cases for the same month last year, there were 9 cases of robbery compared to no reported cases last year, 4 cases of aggravated robbery compared to 2 last year and 11 cases of rape compared to 9 in October last year.

While the Fiji Police Force has announced that the overall crime rate for the month of October recorded a 2 percent reduction and a decline in the overall crime rate by 10 percent based on the reported cases, some of the crimes like burglary, robbery and rape remain a concern.

In the Southern Division, robbery, attempted burglary and rape reported increases.

[Source: Fiji Police Force]

There were 61 burglary cases in October last year compared to 56 in October this year in the Southern Division.

Police say the Northern Division recorded increases in aggravated burglary and robbery.

The Central Division also recorded increases for the month of October for robbery, arson and attempted robbery cases when compared to the same period last year.

There were 11 cases of burglary in October this year in the Central Division compared to 12 in October last year, there were 3 cases of reported aggravated robbery compared to 4 last year, and 5 cases of robbery compared to 4 last year.