ENSURING a safe and secure border, police officers in Cakaudrove will increase their patrols this year as another yachting season is set to begin in Savusavu Harbour.
In a statement, Savusavu community policing officer Sergeant Josese Masirewa said the season normally brought the Hidden Paradise town a hive of activity as yachties dropped by.
"Last year, we recorded 400 yachts that berthed in the harbour and this is really a good sign as Savusavu is becoming a popular tourist destination," Sgt Masirewa said.
"A lot of yachties visit us here to explore the Northern Division and often stay for the cyclone season because of the tight security we offer on our borders.
"We are expecting an increase in the number of yachts this year and we will be hard at work to ensure our harbours and ports throughout Vanua Levu remain crime-free and safe."
Savusavu's Revenue and Customs Transnational Crime Unit officer Shelvin Prasad said they would work closely with the police to monitor the yachts.
"We register new yachts that visit us and we closely monitor their movements around the northern boundaries," Mr Prasad said. "The Transnational Crime Unit in Savusavu is part of the National Intelligence Bureau of the Fiji Police Force that works towards ensuring a safe and secure border free from criminal elements."
The Savusavu yachting season starts this week at the end of Fiji's cyclone season from November to April.