Decrease in overall crime rate recorded by Police last month

The overall crime rate for January recorded by Police has seen a 13 percent reduction compared to last year, however, statistics continue to show the worrying trend of women and children falling victims to crimes within their own homes.

Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew says 1,265 reports were recorded for January compared to 1,456 reports for the same period last year.

He says the operational posture adopted last month was in anticipation of the high number of social activities, festive season, and school holidays, which has also resulted in a reduction of other Crime Key Performance Indicators.

Chew says serious crime decreased by 28 percent, crimes against women reduce by 11 percent, crimes against children decreased by 10 percent, while the increased tempo of drug operations led to more arrests resulting in a 13 percent increase in the number of illicit drugs cases registered.

The Acting Commissioner says while there was an overall reduction in crime last month, there are still some offences that are of concern throughout the Divisions, which include sexual and property-related offences.

He further says overall crimes against women decreased by 11 percent last month, with 193 reports received compared to 216 for the same period last year.

He adds crimes against children for last month recorded a 10 percent reduction, whereby 89 reports were received this year compared to 99 for the same period last year.

However, the Acting Commissioner says the statistics continue to show the worrying trend of women and children falling victims to crime within their own homes, with male family members as perpetrators.

He says of the 193 cases, 39 reports were domestic-related, perpetrated by spouses, parents and other relatives.

He further says 85 percent were family members as perpetrators in domestic settings, 17 percent of the reports were sexual offences, and 83 percent were assault-related.

Chew says similar worrying trends are being recorded with crimes against children, with 80 percent of the 89 reports, the perpetrator was a male family member in a domestic setting.

These were parent-child relationships, cousins, uncles and aunts, and other relatives. The Acting Commissioner says addressing crimes against women remains one of the main focus and key priorities.

He says efforts are being directed towards the strengthening of partnerships with stakeholders through various available platforms under the Duavata Community Policing initiative through the Vanua, religion, sports, youth and music, as these are crimes that need to be addressed holistically through collaboration.