NANISE NEIMILA
Fiji's crime rate, as per Fiji Police Force’s January to June 2019 data, has in fact declined statistically despite the view by many that it is on the rise.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs Inia Seruiratu while speaking in Parliament last week.
“There hasn’t been any sudden upward surge of crime in a short span of time. In fact, if you look at the crime statistics for the periods of January to June this year, overall crime has reduced by eight per cent while serious crime is down by four per cent.”
“Steps are being taken by Police and our city and town councils through the Director of Local Government to find long term solutions that can effectively keep these crime trends down.”
Minister Seruiratu said having boots on the ground may result in the reduction of robberies and theft in the short term, but there is a need to find workable and long-term solutions as well.
“Solutions that include improving lighting in Suva along areas that are prone to opportunistic crimes and by this weekend, as assured by the Director and his team, these areas will be well lit, and Suva’s nightlife will be safer for all to move around freely.”
“Collaboration on where the 20 new CCTV cameras will be installed in a few weeks-time is also ongoing between the Suva City Council and police, so that the cameras complement the work of law enforcement. Later this week the Patrol Car concept will be reintroduced in Suva, where reports can be attended to in a timely manner, as I know that the response time has been an issue.”
Minister Seruiratu adds that discussions will also be held to link up the existing CCTV cameras to a central location where the police can view and monitor the streets of Suva. “I acknowledge with gratitude the Suva Retailers Association’s public declaration in that they are willing to contribute financially to the purchase of more security cameras.”
“As Government’s focus on enhancing national security has paid dividends and aided Suva’s economic growth, we would ask that the business community exercise their corporate social responsibility by assisting the police in investing into these cost effective, but long term solutions that can contribute to creating safer environment for their customers.” Minister Seruiratu added that in curbing these, the police would need rigorous collaborated operational strategy as well as surveillance.