Residents and taxi drivers in Lautoka are calling for increased police patrols as concerns grow over public drinking, nuisance behaviour and grab-and-run incidents in the city.

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Taxi driver Navneet Ram told fijivillage News that groups of people are frequently seen drinking alcohol in public areas, particularly during weekends, raising concerns for the safety of families and other members of the public.

Ram says some of the common areas where people gather to drink include the Tukani car park towards the seaside, Syria Line behind Ramesh Investment, Tukani Street in front of Kiran Palace, Marine Drive, and areas along Yasawa Street near City Mall.

He says public drinking is also common near a corner shop located about 200 metres from the police station, particularly from Thursdays to Saturdays.

Ram adds that taxi drivers have often tried to address the behaviour but are ignored.

He says it is concerning that people are drinking in public spaces where families and children spend time.

Ram says while the Lautoka City Council has made improvements to parks and other public areas following numerous requests, it is disappointing to see some people misusing these spaces by drinking alcohol and urinating there.

Meanwhile, Ram has also raised concerns about youths allegedly being involved in grab-and-run incidents, adding he recently witnessed two robberies.

Ram says, as a taxi driver, he is concerned not only for his own safety but also for the safety of people particularly kids.

He is calling on Police to increase patrols in known trouble spots to help address public drinking, nuisance behaviour and grab-and-run incidents.

Ram is also calling for stricter laws, with people caught drinking in public and creating nuisances facing hefty fines or imprisonment.

Questions have been sent to Police.