SEXUAL offences and drug-related cases are two of the major concerns of the police in the Western Division.
Speaking at the Ba Provincial Council meeting, West police commander Senior Superintendent of Police Salacieli Naivilawasa said the increasing number of such crimes was a concern to the people of Ba and to the west as a whole.
He said a total of 60 sexual offences and 23 drug cases were recorded in the west from January to May compared to 60 and 64 sexual and drugs cases respectively recorded for the whole of last year.
SSP Naivilawasa said most of these illegal practices happened in villages and he called on village headmen and district reps to assist the police. He said the police were doing their best to address the matter, unfortunately, people failed to take heed of their advice.
We are trying to strengthen our relationship with the turaga ni koro and encourage them to be our first point of contact when a criminal act is committed, SSP Naivilawasa said.
We need their cooperation if we are to keep our communities safe.
He urged village headmen, district reps and chiefs in Ba to lodge a report with the police should they face difficulties in dealing with villagers on issue of law and order.
You are the ears and eyes of the government in your villages and it is therefore important to always report these kinds of illegal activities, he said.
Council chairman Ratu Meli Saukuru said the council, through its village headmen and district reps, would work with the police.