Lovu Seaside residents are living in fear as their community becomes a hotspot for robberies and break-ins.
Families are staying up all night to protect their loved ones, while they say that the Police remain unresponsive to their cries for help.
While speaking to fijivillage News, 26-year-old resident Abdul Zorhab says thieves broke into his house on the 15th of this month, and despite filing a police report and cooperating with investigators, no progress has been made.
Zorhab says just three days later, on the 18th of this month, there was another attempt to break into his home.
He says from the 15th to the 29th of this month, daily break-in attempts have not only targeted his home but also those of his neighbours.
He adds that women and children are scared, and their health is suffering.
He claims thieves are now targeting homes every day, throwing stones and spreading fear.
Zorab has repeatedly called the Lautoka Police Station for help, but he says many calls go unanswered.
He says he has asked for patrols in the area, but nothing has been done.
He asks what will happen if they have to confront these thieves and who will be responsible if someone gets hurt, saying that the situation goes against the right to safety promised in the Fijian Constitution.
He is calling on the Fiji Police Force to act quickly, urging them to patrol the area, respond faster and take strong action to stop the crimes.
Zorab says if nothing changes and harm comes to families, residents will hold the authorities responsible.
He says it is time for the Police to step up and protect the people.
Responding to the concerns, Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu confirms that two suspects were arrested last week.
He says the two were interviewed and later released as they are still gathering evidence to take them to court or take further action.
Driu adds that patrolling is being carried out in Lovu Seaside, as it is a red zone and a drug-prone area.
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