Lautoka ratepayers call for more Police patrols after burglary arrests

The Lautoka Ratepayers Association is calling for in­creased police patrols follow­ing the arrest of two women in connection with alleged bur­glaries in Nadi and Lautoka.

Association president Naray­an Reddy commended the Fiji Police Force for its swift ac­tion but warned that unlawful activities in the Lautoka Cen­tral Business District (CBD) remain a serious concern.

"We need police patrols more than ever. There are a lot of unlawful activities going on in the CBD," Mr Reddy said.

"Police need to beef up their patrolling to deter crime and ensure the safety of ratepay­ers, businesses, and the gen­eral public."

Mr Reddy said recent inci­dents had created fear among business owners and shop­pers, adding that a visible po­lice presence plays a critical role in crime prevention and public confidence.

Police confirmed that two women were arrested on Thursday in connection with alleged burglary cases in Nadi and Lautoka.

According to police, officers on beat patrol noticed one of the suspects behaving suspi­ciously along Naviti Street in Lautoka.

She was questioned and later escorted to the Lautoka Mar­ket Post for further inquiries. Police said information gath­ered from the first suspect led officers to pursue a second suspect, who was apprehend­ed near Vitogo Parade.

A search of the two women allegedly led to the discovery of electronic gadgets, cash, and other i terns believed to have been stolen from proper­ties in Nadi and Lautoka.

Police said that both suspects remain in custody as the in­vestigation continues.

The Fiji Police Force has re­assured the public that patrols will continue across the West­ern Division and has urged community members to re­main vigilant and report any suspicious activity.