A  partnership between the community and the Police is the best way to fight crime.

This was demonstrated in Nanuku Settlement, Vatuwaqa, on Tuesday night when a man wanted by the Police for an alleged crime was caught  trying to target another victim.

Co-operation was the key word in this sting operation. The suspect was lured to a house where Police were in hiding waiting for him to arrive before they nabbed him.

He has been on the run from the law and people recognised him from a Wanted List by the Police published in the Fiji Sun.

The man was wanted for a case of obtaining financial deception and three cases of alleged rape. He has been evading Police for some time, says Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro.

He allegedly preyed on unsuspecting and vulnerable women. He had allegedly had a few victims under his belt and he probably felt that he could continue spinning his life of deception with impunity.

Well, he met his match on Tuesday and is now in Police custody. His arrest was made possible because of the assistance of the public who apprehended him and called the Police. They recognised him from the Wanted List and acted accordingly.

This is one of the benefits of neighbourhood watch schemes. Although there is none organised in the Nanuku settlement, this incident should lead to the formal setting up of a scheme. It encourages neighbours to watch out for each other. It will complement community policing. The concept of Police and public co-operation to fight crime, can only work if the public take responsibility for their safety first before turning to their neighbours. It involves people being aware of what’s happening around them and taking necessary precautions.

In this case, some people had read about the man’s alleged criminal activities in the Wanted List published by the Fiji Sun, and sprung to action. During the whole process they kept the Police fully informed.

To help keep the community safe, people should secure their homes and locked items that could attract the attention of would-be criminals, if they are going away.

Neighbours and the nearest Police station must also be informed. They can keep an eye on your premises during routine patrols. Remember that crime and criminals do not go on a holiday. Therefore, our precautions and vigilance should become a way of life.

Police Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho has made significant progress in rebuilding the trust between Police. It has come through transparent and accountable policing through training like the human rights workshops.

The people of Nanuku saw it as their civic responsibility to help Police arrest a suspect because they have faith and confidence in our law enforcement officers.

They know they are forging a partnership that will protect them from the criminal elements.

They also realise that the Police are playing a lead role in the efforts to bring the communities and the Police together in addressing crime and violence.

Police having been going out to the communities and interacting with the people. The results are showing. Police are developing the people’s trust and confidence.

In building partnerships, there will be criminal elements who will continue to resist.

But the law abiding majority who desire peace and violent free communities will counter them.

This, he said, will assist greatly in bridging the gap between the Police and members of the public. This partnership synergises with the campaign by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation for declarations of crime and violence free in our communities.

Nanuku residents have shown a wonderful example in the battle against crime and must be commended for their initiative.

 Nemani Delaibatiki

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj