A nine percent increase in crime rate has been recorded in the Southern Division from January to May this year when compared to the same period last year.
Defense Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola says this includes a number of cases of serious assault and violence against women and children.
There were 2,343 crime cases for the first five months in 2017 and this has increased by 438 for the same period this year.
“A significant increase in crimes against the persons including double the number of cases of serious assault, common assault and criminal intimidation has been recorded over the past five years.”
Ratu Inoke says the Defense Ministry will continue working in collaboration with the Fiji Police Force and different communities to create confidence and trust amongst Fijians.
He says every citizen has the right to a safe living environment.
