The Fiji Police Force reported a 9% decrease in overall crime in May compared to April. This reduction included an 18% drop in serious crimes, a 12% decrease in crimes against women, and a 3% decline in crimes against children. However, due to the ongoing war on drugs, there was a 3% increase in illicit drug cases.
In a year-over-year comparison, crime increased by 30% from May 2023 to May 2024. Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew attributed this increase to three theft cases with multiple counts. The prevalent crimes included assault causing bodily harm, burglary, aggravated robbery, unlawful possession of illicit drugs, and criminal intimidation.
Of the 172 registered cases of crimes against women, 92% were assault-related, and 8% were sexual offenses. Crimes against children amounted to 106 cases, with 65% related to sexual offenses, 23% to assault, and 12% to other offenses.
Additionally, three officers were charged with falsification of documents, assault causing bodily harm, and rape. The acting Commissioner of Police reported an overall decrease in the crime rate for May compared to the increase recorded over the past four months.
