Police Record 138 Cases of Crimes Against Children

The Fiji Police Force has raised the alarm on the significant spike in crimes against children recently.

This was after it recorded a 25 per cent increase in crimes against children last month.

Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci said there were 138 cases of crimes against children recorded last month where 93 were girls and 45 boys.

Of the recorded cases, 54 per cent were sexual offences, 33 per cent were assault-related and 13 per cent were linked to other offences.

Twenty-two per cent were domestic related involving cousins, parent-child relationship and other relatives, Mr Raikaci said.

“The increase in the crimes against children was mainly due to the rise in assault cases from 23 to 35 cases, followed by abduction of person under 18 from 5 to 22 cases, and sexual assaults from seven to 20 cases,” he said.

He said the overall crime rate last month recorded an increase of eight per cent when compared to the same period last year.

Serious crime recorded an increase by 11 per cent, crimes against women increased by four per cent and crimes against children increased by 25 per cent.

Police officers charged

In accordance with efforts of ensuring accountability of Police officers and their actions, Mr Raikaci said five Police officers were charged last month for sexual offences, assault, drug offences and the breach of the Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO).

However, Police officers were also victims of crime, in particular during the execution of their duties, he said.

Mr Raikaci said there were 25 cases of serious assault where Police were victims, one (1) case of obstruction of an officer in due execution of their duties and nine (9) cases of resisting arrest.

“Policing is challenging and everyday officers risk their safety and lives in the execution of their duties, and this is part of the work that we signed up for, and we are committed to overcoming these challenges for our communities.”

Drugs

Mr Raikaci said there were 143 drug cases in August when compared to the same period last year, and 138 were related to the unlawful possession of illicit drugs and five (5) were cases of unlawful cultivation of illicit drugs.

He said a total of 135 persons were charged for drug-related offences, some facing multiple counts, three (3) of whom were students.

Making reference to the increased show of support towards policing efforts, Mr Raikaci said: “The Fiji Police Force appreciates the pledges and commitments made by religious and community leaders in curbing crime in our communities.

“We need to keep the momentum going and continuously look at ways to enhance collaboration for safer communities.

“There is strength in numbers and together we can curb illegal activities and protect our women and children, and the vulnerable communities by reporting suspicious activities and crimes through Crime stoppers on 919 or 917.”

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