The crime rate for April has recorded a decrease of 13 per cent.

The Fiji Police Force crime statistics shows 1147 reports received for April compared to 1314 for the same period last year.

Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew said the decrease resulted in the overall reduction of serious crime by 34 per cent, although a number of offences remained a concern in some divisions.

The statistics show that crimes against women dropped by 12 per cent while crimes against children decreased by four.

Acting Commissioner Chew said although the crimes against women and children had decreased, they remained a worry because they were domestic-related cases where women and children were victims of sexual and assault related crimes in their own homes.

While serious crimes recorded an overall decrease of 34 per cent, there were eight offences that recorded increases in the Southern, Western, Eastern and Northern Divisions when compared to the same period last year.

Thefts
Thefts topped the list of prevalent offences during April.

The statistics showed 274 cases were reported in April as cash, jewelry, mobile telephones and electronic gadgets remained popular targets for criminals.

Assault causing actual bodily harm during April recorded 250 cases.

Mr Chew said the Fiji Police Force took into consideration that some incidents of thefts and robberies remained unreported.

He urged victims to lodge reports to allow investigations and those responsible could be charged and taken to court.

He said targeting receivers of stolen goods would be a focus area as a mean to counter aggravated robberies, burglaries and thefts.

Story by: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj