The Fiji Police Force has recorded an 11 percent increase in overall crime in August 2026 compared with the same month last year, although crime decreased by six percent compared with July 2026.

Police statistics show that theft was the most prevalent offence, with 352 cases recorded during the month.

This was followed by assault causing actual bodily harm with 230 cases, burglary with 157, unlawful possession of illicit drugs with 89, and criminal intimidation with 75 cases.

The Western Division recorded the highest number of theft cases with 134, followed by the North with 98, South with 50, East with 48 and Central with 22.

Police said most theft cases involved unattended belongings and cash, while 36 cases involved the theft of livestock and animals.

The majority of alleged offenders across the theft category were males aged between 18 and 35 years.

Assault causing actual bodily harm was also a major concern, with the Western Division recording 82 of the 230 cases.

The South recorded 57 cases, followed by the East with 49, North with 34 and Central with eight.

Police said the majority of assault cases were domestic-related, with males aged 18 to 35 again making up the majority of alleged offenders.

Of the 157 burglary cases, 66 were recorded in the Southern Division and 58 in the West. The East recorded 15, North 14 and Central four.

Police said most alleged burglary offenders were also males aged between 18 and 35.

There were 89 cases of unlawful possession of illicit drugs recorded during August. The Western Division accounted for 36 cases, followed by North with 19, Central with 14, South with 13 and East with seven.

Most drug-related cases involved marijuana, while a smaller number involved methamphetamine.

Criminal intimidation accounted for 75 cases, with the Western Division recording 21, North 18, South 17, East 17 and Central two.

Police say proactive community policing operations will be increased, with particular attention being given to people aged between 18 and 35 years.

The Fiji Police Force will also focus on enforcing minor offences that can potentially lead to more serious crimes, alongside increased community awareness on crime prevention.

Police acknowledged the continued support of crime prevention committees and other stakeholders in addressing the underlying causes of crime.