School supplies stolen in Nadi home break-in

A Year Six student of Nadi Sangam Primary School has suffered a setback after his school supplies were stolen during an alleged break-in at his family’s home in Solovi, Nadi.

Sanish John was looking forward to starting the new school year when the incident occurred on Tuesday while his parents were at work and he was staying with a neighbour.

His father, Sadrick John, a carpenter at the InterContinental Resort, said he discovered the break-in when he returned home at about 7pm.

He said he noticed the bedroom lights were already on when he opened the house and realised items were missing.

Mr John said his son’s school books, stationery, school bag and sandals were taken, along with liquor, his wife’s jewellery, groceries and cash saved for emergencies.

He said the family had used the Government’s $200 back-to-school assistance, along with their own savings, to buy the school items.

He said the loss of his son’s school supplies was particularly distressing.

Mr John said police were called immediately and the family was advised not to enter the house.

While waiting for officers to arrive, he checked around the property and discovered the thieves had allegedly gained entry by removing louvre blades from a kitchen window at the back of the four-bedroom home.

He said this was the second break-in at the family’s residence in recent months, with thieves previously forcing entry and stealing his son’s mobile phone and charger.

Mr John said the incident has left his family traumatised and fearful.

He said his wife and son were now afraid to stay home alone and that his son struggled to sleep after the incident.

Mr John has appealed for faster police response times to burglary reports, saying families are left vulnerable while waiting for officers to arrive.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed the matter had been reported.

She said the case has been registered and investigations are ongoing.