Following concerns raised by members of the public about the need for a greater police presence in communities as an increase in crime has been noted, the Fiji Police Force, however, says cases of burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and theft decreased from January to July this year compared to the same period in 2025.
According to Police, burglary cases decreased by 7.3 percent, robbery by 32.8 percent, aggravated robbery by 17.8 percent, aggravated burglary by 7.7 percent, while theft cases decreased by 7.9 percent.
However, theft of vehicles increased from 31 cases between January and July last year to 51 cases during the same period this year.
The Fiji Police Force says while it accepts criticism of its operations in relation to recent cases of aggravated robbery and burglary, it is also calling for community and whole-of-nation support, as arrests alone will not provide a long-lasting solution.
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says the Fiji Police Force takes seriously the comments made about police operations, adding that operational measures are being adopted to ensure responses are proactive rather than reactive.
Tudravu has stressed the urgent need for a whole-of-society approach to address the root causes of crime and other social ills.
He says there are individuals entering the criminal justice system who are habitual offenders with multiple theft or burglary cases, which raises critical questions of why, and what can be an effective deterrent.
The Commissioner has also acknowledged investments in CCTV cameras by the private and public sectors, which have assisted investigative efforts.
However, he stressed that this must not be misconstrued to mean that Police only act following the release of information on social media.
Tudravu says the posture and strategies adopted by Police operations during the first six months have contributed to the reduction in these crimes.
He adds that the overall crime rate also recorded an 11 percent reduction during the same reporting period, with 11,387 cases recorded in 2025 compared to 10,106 cases this year.
The Commissioner says while these figures may be met with scepticism, the Fiji Police Force accepts constructive criticism to avoid predictable policing patterns that could be exploited by offenders.
He says meaningful discussions are needed on possible solutions, whether that means revisiting laws as a deterrent or providing alternatives for those who have developed a worrying reliance on crime as a means of earning a living.
He says the conversation must be had, and the Fiji Police Force is inviting stakeholders to engage through its Community Policing arm.
The Commissioner adds that everyone needs to work together because what is posted on social media and reported in the media ultimately impacts the nation as a whole, irrespective of race, gender, religion or political affiliation.
He says crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
