crimes

Covid lockdowns and border closures have impacted social activities and have been widely attributed as the reason for the lull.

Tonga Police Commissioner Shane McLennan said police are not being complacent as the Kingdom begins reopening its borders and the community becomes more active.

"Part of our major challenges at the moment is because our communities have been in lockdown and now borders are opening are reopening gradually, so the challenges for us is also to be out there, making sure our roads are safe, our homes are safe and our communities are safe," he said.

Police have confirmed the recorded criminal offences decreased from 116 to 94.

There were a total of 271 arrests with 20 related to drug offences, 42 for drunk driving and the rest from other related crimes.

Police said the overall drop in criminal offences was due to the decrease in the three prevalent offences of common assault, theft and housebreaking.

Deputy Commissioner Pelenatita Vaisuai acknowledged the commitment of police staff who worked throughout the holidays to ensure peace and public safety was maintained.