Concerns over rising crime rates in Samoa’s capital have prompted strong responses from local officials, following a recent police operation at the Apia fish markets that led to the arrest of two individuals allegedly selling drugs.

There have been more cases of individuals arrested for similar criminal activities. 

Apia mayor Tuiletufuga Fritz Tuiavii Savaiinaea expressed concern about the increasing criminal activity in the town area, pointing to a range of underlying causes and systemic challenges. 

In a candid statement, he highlighted the lack of parental supervision and the growing presence of individuals living unlawfully in the city as key issues.

“Crime increase in the Apia town area starts from home,” the mayor said. 

"Parents don't spend enough time with their kids and others in their households. Village council rules need to be enforced more strictly and there are too many criminals living unlawfully in the town area.

“The Ministry of Police is not enforcing the law with strict rules. They are too soft and lazy. Hourly patrols both on foot and in vehicles should have been a 24/7 priority to enforce order.”

Meanwhile, Tuiletufuga further expressed frustration over ongoing civic duties being carried out without adequate government support, noting that his office has received no funding for three years for village cleanup efforts. 

“ Anyone thinking of our village clean up without being paid by the Ministry for Natural Resources and Environment for three years, but we have to clean for the sake of our nation, especially the waterfront,” he said 

In response to the mayor’s remarks, the Police Commissioner responded to the statement by the Apia mayor.

“I believe that is the opinion of the Apia mayor, but first we also have to ask what they are doing about it,” said Auapaau Logoitino Filipo.

“We have noticed that there are people who live in Savaii or other villages who have moved and are now staying in Leone. That seems to be the breeding village of these kids who started from being street vendors and then continued to commit crimes. 

"CCTV cameras set up along Beach Road have helped catch some illegal activities in the past two weeks. More police patrols have been added, especially from Thursday to Saturday, when more people are usually out."