The Fiji Police Force has recorded a 13 percent decrease in overall crime rate in the first 6 months of the year where 7,605 cases were received compared to 8,774 for the same period last year.
Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew says this was made possible through the support of communities, crime prevention stakeholders and law enforcement partners.
He says they understand that there are unreported cases which is why they are prioritising community policing operations to encourage people to come forward and report crimes.
Chew says offences against property which include aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, burglary, theft and robbery recorded decreases for the first 6-month period.
He stresses all concerns raised about service delivery are taken seriously and they have put in place measures and strategies to curb property offences.
The Acting Police Commissioner says these include snap check points, increased visibility with foot and mobile patrols, random checks, clearance of towns and cities of people found loitering, working with stakeholders to address the issue of young children loitering and street dwellers, setting up of tents in known red spot areas in towns and cities, utilization of technology by partnering with business communities and the use of CCTV capabilities, strengthening community policing operations and community outreach programs and the setting up of Crime Prevention Committees.
Chew adds by bringing community policing to the forefront, they are placing greater emphasis on community partnerships for a collaborative approach towards crime prevention.
