A surge in serious and fatal road accidents has led police to enhance their presence in the Western Division, deploying additional officers from Suva during the Christmas and New Year festive period. This initiative aims to bolster visibility and ensure public safety in areas identified as high-risk.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Kasiano Vusonilawe reported that nearly 100 officers were mobilized following a year-long analysis of crime and accident patterns, which pinpointed specific areas requiring increased attention. He emphasized a proactive approach, stating, “The strategy was to be there before they come to the area like Wailolaloa beach. When they finish clubbing, they usually go down to those areas and continue their drinking. So before the clubbing completed, the officers were already there. So they have been told to vacate the area.”
In addition to enhancing police presence, teams targeted illegal alcohol sales, shutting down unlicensed bootleggers, and ensuring that licensed outlets adhered to operating hours by closing by midnight. Vusonilawe noted, “We were aggressive in terms of black markets…minor offenses give birth to serious cases.”
Despite the challenges, the public has responded positively, with many individuals expressing that the increased police presence served as a deterrent to crime and contributed to a safer nightlife in Nadi. While overall crime rates decreased during the festive season, fatal accidents on the roads continue to pose significant concerns, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance.
Vusonilawe stated that fostering trust through consistent policing services is crucial for gaining community support and enhancing future crime prevention strategies. The determination to improve safety and enhance public perception reflects a constructive step towards a safer environment for all.