MONEY raised from the 2012 Divisional Crime Prevention Carnival in Lautoka will go towards the upgrading of 26 police community posts in the Western Division.
Proceeds from the seven-day event will also be used to build a community post between Tavua and Rakiraki.
The carnival will feature 14 teen and queen contestants with the first public judging expected to be held this Saturday after the opening at Churchill Park.
"At the moment we don't have a community post between Tavua and Rakiraki so we are planning to build one within the area from the money that we raise at the carnival," said Western crime prevention committee president Faiaz Ali.
Mr Ali said upgrades at each community posts would also include providing resource equipment for the officers.
"We want to purchase equipment and resources for the community posts like reflectors, scooters and motorbikes for the posts. And also help the Fiji Police Force with some mechanical assistance," said Mr Ali.
He said some funds would be set aside for the setting up of youth-based projects.
"We want to set up programs and initiatives for our youths and be able to create employment for them. This is also one way to reduce the crime rate among youths."
Mr Ali said one of the main objectives of the carnival was to create awareness, educate and advocate on crime prevention among the community.
"Crime prevention is not only the responsibility of the Fiji Police Force but it is everybody's responsibility."
With a bill of $20,000, Mr Ali said people of the Western Division could expect a variety of information from the Police Department and an array of entertainment throughout the festival.
"Apart from creating awareness, we also want people to have fun."