Crime rates in Fiji have experienced a notable decline of 18 percent in the first quarter of the year, with all five police divisions reporting reductions in criminal activity from August to October. Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu announced these promising statistics, revealing that 4,049 criminal cases were recorded during this period, a significant drop from the 4,960 cases logged in the same timeframe the previous year. Notably, serious crimes have seen an impressive 35 percent decrease.
Commissioner Tudravu attributes this positive trend to targeted operations and stringent monitoring conducted by divisional teams. Drug-related offenses have also diminished by 30 percent, resulting in 334 recorded cases primarily associated with unlawful possession, cultivation, and importation of drugs.
A key component of this success is Operation Sasamaki, which was launched in March. The operation has concentrated on dismantling drug networks and fostering community involvement in crime prevention initiatives. While these statistics reflect a positive trajectory for public safety in Fiji, challenges remain, particularly regarding domestic-related offenses and road safety, as noted in previous reports.
To foster transparency and community engagement further, Commissioner Tudravu plans to provide a detailed breakdown of the statistics. The police force’s evolving strategies, combined with active collaboration with the public, present a hopeful and promising path toward creating a safer and more secure environment for all Fijians.