The Fiji Police Force have recorded an increase in petty theft cases over the weekend particularly in towns and city areas as criminal elements take advantage of the festive season rush by preying on shoppers’ tendency to disregard personal safety.

Officers out on the beat have had to ask shoppers to zip up their bags, secure their wallets and purses as they are caught up in the Christmas shopping rush leaving valuable items exposed to would be criminals.

“Opportunistic crimes will be rife over the next few days as major towns and cities will be packed with shoppers and while we will be out in numbers ensuring maximum visibility, we need everyone to be cautious and vigilant at all times,” said  Police Chief of Operations ACP Rusiate Tudravu.

“As the Commissioner has highlighted, a trend is emerging whereby a group will be watching those carrying large sums of money or have withdrawn large sums of money from ATM’s and the need to store money safely is being advised when out shopping over the next few days.”

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