TURNING a new leaf in their fight against crime, a group of residents in Labasa yesterday launched its Community Watch Zone and strategies of creating a secure residential area.
Once marked a red zone by the police, the residents of Qawa, Vunivau, outside Labasa town, are adamant the launch will create a safer and better area for the 130 families.
Provincial administrator Macuata and chief guest Joseva Rokonai said the event marked the commitment from the community to work with the police against crime.
Community watch zones have been set up mostly in red zone areas to challenge the communities in their role of fighting crime, he said.
The Fiji Police Force believes crime prevention is a shared responsibility between the force and members of the community and for this reason, combined activities between the two parties have proven to be the remedy to crime prevention nationwide.
Northern Crime Prevention Committee chairman Reverend Parmod Chand said crime had taken deep roots in social and economic areas of the community.
It is our duty as community members to work with the police in fighting crime and reporting any criminal activities you see or you know about, he said.
Police resources are limited and that is why they extend their arms to the communities, so we can work with them to fight crime and create a safer and better environment for all.
Rev Chand urged the residents to always put God first with their newly launched Watch Zone program.
When you put God first and dedicate every plan of your work to him, He will lead us in the right direction and we wont work in vain, he said.