SUVA, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Overall crime rate increased by 73 percent in April, while the rate of serious crime also increased by 65 percent, compared to the same period in 2023 in the island nation, according to statistics from the Fiji Police.
Crimes against women also increased by 15 percent, while crimes against children rose by 5 percent, reported Fiji Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday.
When compared to March this year, overall crime went up by 17 percent, while serious crime increased by 2 percent, with 14 police officers charged with various offenses including assault, theft and unlawful possession of illicit drugs last month, according to the police.
Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew said policing challenges vary from the high attrition rate to the evolving criminal landscape, adding that identifying root causes remains their primary focus.
He also stressed that the police force will be fair and transparent in handling all cases against police officers. ■
