IT was a day of fun and entertainment on Saturday as residents and police officers got together to launch a crime free committee.
Residents joined hands with police and launched the Makosoi Crime Prevention Committee in Deuba yesterday.
While launching the committee, the acting Minister for Defence, National Security and Immigration Joketani Cokanasiga said, "There is not only a need for police but also the Makosoi committee to work together with them in order to have a crime free environment"
Police spokesman Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri said, "in accordance with the People's Charter, there is a need for the police to establish a crime free board and to establish such committees in different parts of the country".
"There are about 500 people living in this community and we have made a start by working together with the people of Makosoi in launching this crime prevention committee," he said.
IP Sokomuri said the police force aimed to improve the relationship with the Makosoi community as a strategy to reduce crime.
"According to our records, most of the crimes committed in this area were done by the people, especially youths, from Makosoi settlement," he said.
"With the launching of the crime prevention committee, we hope to make this area crime free with the assistance of the committee who will be directly dealing with the residents."
"This is a new chapter for the Makosoi community and we are targeting a crime free community for better years."
"The public are the eyes and ears and together we can make a difference in making the society crime free and safe for everyone," said IP Sokomuri.
Officers from the sexual offence unit and drug unit also gave advise on crime prevention. Entertainment and games were also organised with the Fiji Police Band keeping the crowd on their feet.
Children also participated in bun eating competitions and officers from the National Fire Authority also held a demonstration for resident.
Residents also got together with the business community and provided a lovo lunch to everyone who witnessed the launching of the committee.