The Fiji Police Force reported a 27% increase in crime rates in June compared to 2023, with a 25% increase in serious crime, a 16% increase in crimes against women, and a 13% increase in crimes against children. It’s crucial to understand these statistics to grasp the current situation.
The increase was attributed to a 24% rise in domestic violence cases against women and children, with 79% of victims being women and 21% being children.
Another significant increase was recorded in sexual offence cases, with a total of 80 cases recorded, including rape, indecent assault, sexual assault, defilement, abduction of persons under 18 years of age with intent to have carnal knowledge, and attempt to commit rape.
The youngest sexual offence victim was a 7-year-old girl allegedly raped by a 15-year-old boy on two separate occasions.
The increase in burglary cases was linked to habitual or repeat offenders charged multiple times within the same month.
Operations also targeted receivers of stolen goods, with three cases recorded in March, April, and May.
Criminal intimidation recorded 81 cases and was listed as a prevalent offence, with most of the offences committed within domestic settings involving family members.
The Acting Commissioner urges the public to resolve their issues amicably to avoid becoming a perpetrator of crime.
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