Home Affairs Minister, Pio Tikoduadua says he is concerned with reports received by Police of break-ins at five temples and a mosque in the Western Division.
In a statement, Tikoduadua indicated that this all happened in Lautoka over the last few weeks ago.
Tikoduadua said his advice from the Police is that these break-ins do not appear to be motivated by religious ill-wills or antagonism.
He said these were simple, opportunistic attempts to steal money from places that the burglars believe are less secure than homes and businesses.
“We all know that thieves are observant and opportunistic. They watch people’s movements, and they will try to work out when things of value are vulnerable to theft.”
Tikoduadua confirmed that Police has met with affected religious organisations to see how they can take common sense measures to avoid repeats of these break-ins.
“I want to ask all our leaders to ensure that these incidents are not sensationalized or used for political rhetoric or cause alarm between religious communities. All right-thinking people, of all religion, are offended by intrusions into places of worship,” Tikoduadua added.
