Lautoka Municipal Council

Lautoka City Council is stepping up its efforts to combat rising criminal activities, including drug-related crimes, through a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety.

Director General Mohammed Anees Khan highlighted this before the Standing Committee on Social Affairs.

Khan says they are working with the police IT department to improve surveillance in known drug hotspots.

“They studied the current camera locations and mapped them on a GIS map. They are in the process of identifying sensitive areas that are currently not covered by cameras and where can we install additional cameras to monitor and monitor these areas. And from what they told us, it’s not just throughout the city, it’s also in some suburban areas. They know the sensitive areas and we have shared what we have and they will use it to improve CCTV camera coverage.

Khan says they have also proposed facilities at Shirley Park and Lautoka Market as police stations.

He adds that they have also identified a third location which is a sensitive area and are seeking assurances from the police that they will have officers to fill this position before the council invests resources to build a mini-post for them.

Khan says to combat illegal activities like theft and pickpocketing, the council has also installed CCTV cameras in key areas, such as the Lautoka Municipal Market and the bus station.

According to Khan, these cameras have proven useful in monitoring suspicious activity, deterring crime and improving the safety of residents and visitors.

He adds that, in conjunction with the Fiji Police, the council’s enforcement officers carry out regular patrols and hold quarterly meetings with various local groups, including the Shoeshine Boys, the Wheelbarrow Boys and the Prevention Committees. crime.

The CEO says these meetings have enabled the council and police to respond more effectively to incidents and successfully apprehend individuals involved in criminal activity.