Operation Finau during the holidays a success Featured
12 January, 2020. The Police annual Christmas and New Year Operation was launched on the 21st of December 2020 and ran till the 4th of January 2021, to reinforce effective police service throughout the Christmas and New Year period and to ensure everyone was safe while celebrating the festive season in the Kingdom of Tonga.
Over a 14-day period the Operation resulted in 230 arrests, an increase from 177 arrests the previous year. Of the 230 arrests, 20 arrests were in relation to serious crimes (assault, theft, and housebreaking), 143 arrests in relation to minor crimes (drunk in public places, disorderly behaviour), 44 arrests in relation to traffic violations (drunk driving and speeding) and 21 arrests in relation to Domestic Violence (Police Safety Order).
“Criminal behaviour will not be tolerated and Police will hold people to account for their disorderly behaviour. The recent operation was to prevent crime and protect the public, remove drunks from public places, and hold liquor licensees to account when licence conditions were breached.”
There were no road fatalities during the Christmas and New Year holiday, but the overall road fatality increased from 4 in 2019 to 8 in 2020. There were 22 road fatalities in 2018.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. We rely on everyone to make good decisions on the road to prevent further road trauma by avoiding alcohol and checking their speed.”
A/Deputy Commissioner Tevita Vailea acknowledged the commitment of police staff who worked throughout the holidays to ensure peace and public safety was maintained. He also acknowledged and thanked members of the public for timely sharing of information and their valued support to the Tonga Police.
We are encouraging members of the public to contact us if they are concerned about the behaviour of people in their communities.
A total of 278 police staff were deployed during the Christmas and New Year Operation.
