Police issue Pacific Games safety assurance

By Joyetter Feagaimaali'i 10 July 2019, 9:37PM

Police Commissioner, Fuiavailiili  Egon Keil, has assured thousands of Pacific Games visitors to Samoa that their safety and that of their properties remain their priority.

He has also assured Games Village residents that Police are maintaining around-the-clock security in a bid to ensure incidents of theft are minimised.

The assurance was issued a after a man was arrested when he was found to be in possession of stolen property. The man allegedly had fake accreditation and was wearing a uniform belonging to one of the participating countries.

The Police caught the man, who is believed to be in his 20s, at the Pacific Games compound with a bag containing phones, laptops, iPads and other gadgets as well as passports belonging to one of the national teams currently participating in the Games.

“We were also able to confirm there is a group of men who are going around, and the police officers stationed at the games village are more alert and attentive," Fuiavailiili said.

The Police Commissioner said it was disappointing to find "fake accreditation" in the possession of the man they arrested.

This confirms that some men are looking for opportunities to steal. 

“There will be more arrests in the future,” he added.

Fuiavailiili gave the assurance that they have the security of the Games Village under control with Police officers stationed throughout the compound. 

Aside from the athletes, there are still members of the Methodist Church who are staying in the Games Village, he added. 

The Police are now working with the Pacific Games Office to investigate how the suspect had a uniform belonging to one of the national teams as well as accreditation papers. 

“The police are more into checking accreditations now," he said. 

"The suspect captured was wearing a uniform for one of the teams. He also had on him an accreditation; and we are working with the Pacific Games office. The Police now has a seat on the Games committee."

“Everything is under control, that I can assure our people,” he said. 

By Joyetter Feagaimaali'i 10 July 2019, 9:37PM
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