17 Jul 2013

Solomons police say alcohol-related crime serious problem

9:55 am on 17 July 2013

The commander of police for Guadalcanal province in Solomon Islands says alcohol-related crime is creating huge problems throughout the country.

The comment affirms the findings of a recent survey by the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands on causes of conflict in the community and other issues.

An overwhelming majority of those surveyed said conflict in the community is caused by alcohol, kwaso - or homebrew - and drugs.

David Diosi says crimes committed either to obtain alcohol or under its influence are especially prevalent among people between the ages of 15 and 29.

"Most are no longer attending to schools and most have nothing much to do around and unemployed and so the increase in alcohol-related crimes becomes now a serious concern for not only the police but the general public, the general communities now at large."

David Diosi says the sentences issued by the courts are not long enough to be a deterrent.