Fiji Police record increase in crime

Source: http://www.thejetnewspaper.com/subpages.php?ID=1429#.UBizW2Eiz6Q

The Fiji Police Force would like to advise members of the public on the need to stay safe and protect themselves from falling victim to crime.

It has been noted that there was a significant increase in serious offenses by the five police divisions between the 22 nd of July to the 28th this year, compared to the same period last year.

Comparison 
The figures depicted below show the statistics for the offenses namely Aggravated Robbery, Burglary and Theft of motor vehicle respectively:

The Eastern Division recorded 4 aggravated robberies compared to 2 during the same period last year. Burglaries in that division were up by eight this year with 9 noted cases as opposed to only 1 last year.There was only 1 Theft of motor vehicle this year compared to 0 last year.

The Northern Division showed the least number of these recorded cases with only 3 Burglaries in 2012.

For the Southern division, the number of Aggravated robberies decreased by one from 3 this year compared to 4 last year. Burglaries, on the other hand jumped significantly from 14 last year to 24 in 2012. There was 0 Theft of motor vehicles last year as opposed to 2 this year.

Totogo division had 1 of each for Aggravated robberies and Theft of motor vehicles and 3 Burglaries in 2012 compared to 0 for all three offenses in 2011.

The Western division recorded an increase in Burglaries jumping from only 8 in 2011 to 23 this year. Aggravated robberies stayed the same for both years with 4 cases whilst Theft of motor vehicles increased by 1 in 2012 compared to 0 last year.

The Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua has reiterated that the Force will take a hardened approach towards tackling these crimes from escalating.

"Our new operation posture is that we will pursue and bring in those committing these crimes, and avert more innocent people falling victims to these crimes".

The Force has identified that most of these crimes are being committed within 6pm to 6am and most offences are reported during the weekends.

The Force is also calling on members of the public to adopt safety and precautionary measures at all times.

Safety Tips

• Don't walk or jog early in the morning or late at night when the streets are deserted.
• When out at night, try to have a friend walk with you.
• Carry only the money you'll need on a particular day.
• Don't display your cash or any other inviting targets such as pagers, cell phones, hand-held electronic games, or expensive jewelry and clothing.
• If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don't be afraid to yell for help.
• Try to park in well-lighted areas with good visibility and close to walkways, stores, and people.
• Make sure you have your key out as you approach your door.
• Always lock your car, even if it's in your own driveway; never leave your motor running.
• If someone tries to rob you, give up your property-don't give up your life.
• If you are robbed or assaulted, report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.