The attacks in public and robberies are likely linked to the increase in drug-related activities, says Inia Seruiratu.

Delivering his ministerial statement in Parliament yesterday, the Minister for Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs called for a national approach towards fighting crime.

Referring to the recent Victoria Parade attack he said the power of media and social media was evident following the posting of the video which had painted Suva and Fiji as a nation that is “unsafe”.

Mr Seruiratu questioned the House if erecting more Police Posts would prevent robberies. He was responding to comments made by Opposition Whip Lynda Tabuya on Monday calling for another Police Post to be erected along Victoria Parade.

“Is having more Police officers the solution to reducing the domestic violence rate, which has recorded a 35 per cent increase between the periods of January to June this year?

“Will it help reduce crimes against women and children that have recorded increases of two per cent and one per cent respectively and prevent another innocent child or woman from becoming a victim of gender-based violence in their own homes?”

Mr Seruiratu added that it was why the Prime Minister continues to call for support to help Police fight crime.

He said the crime situation in Fiji was not as alarming as many have thought it to be.

Having boots on the ground may result in the reduction of robberies and theft in the short term, but “we have to find workable and long-term solutions as well,” he said.

He confirmed that by this weekend there would be improvements in the lighting of Suva-prone to opportunist crime areas and Suva’s nightlife would be safer for all to move around freely.

He added that there were ongoing discussions and collaboration between the Suva City Council and the Police on where the 20 new CCTV cameras would be installed in the next few weeks.

Discussions would also be held to link up the existing CCTV cameras to a central location where Police could view and monitor the streets of Suva.

Later this week, the Patrol Car concept would also be reintroduced in Suva where reports could be attended to in a timely manner, he said.

Mr Seruiratu also urged members of the business community to exercise their corporate social responsibility by assisting Police in investing into these cost effective but long-term solutions that could contribute to creating a safer environment for their customers.

“The reality on the ground is that Fiji is still safer in comparison to many other countries.”

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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