The Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu, has announced a significant 18 percent reduction in overall crime rates in Fiji for the months of August, September, and October. The recorded number of cases dropped to 4,049 this year from 4,960 cases in the same period last year, reflecting an encouraging trend in public safety.
While most divisions saw a decrease in crime, the Northern Division was an outlier, experiencing a three percent increase in reported cases. The Southern, Western, Eastern, and Central divisions all recorded notable decreases, contributing to the overall decline. Serious crimes in particular saw a remarkable 35 percent drop across all five divisions.
Commissioner Tudravu highlighted improvements in crimes affecting vulnerable populations, with crimes against women decreasing by 10 percent and those against children dropping by 34 percent. However, he expressed concern regarding the persistent number of domestic-related cases in both categories, including assaults and sexual offenses.
“Despite the overall decline in crime rates, we must remain vigilant,” Tudravu stated. The data reveals a notable reduction in serious crimes but underscores the need for continued community efforts and awareness regarding domestic violence issues.
The positive outcome of the crime statistics indicates that the Fiji Police Force’s initiatives and community engagements are yielding results. As efforts to address crime continue, there is hope for future improvements in public safety and a stronger focus on protecting women and children in vulnerable situations. This latest report fosters a sense of optimism that with collaborative efforts from law enforcement and the community, further declines in crime rates can be achieved.