Instances of crime in Tonga have dropped by 10 percent over the past year, according to local police.
The Central Police Station in Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa. Photo: RNZI/Gareth Thomas
The police say there were over 620 less infringments under the Criminal Offences Act from last July to June 2018, compared to the same period the previous year.
Despite the figures it was still a busy year for police with major operations including the proclaimed 'War against Illicit Drugs', the elections, Rugby League World Cup celebrations which saw over 450 arrests for public disorder, and February's Cyclone Gita which saw a spike in serious offences.
An Operation called 'Safer Streets' which focused on public order and drunken behaviour, also netted over 1,800 arrests.
Police said the figures may have been higher if not for an enforced curfew and early closure of bars and nightclubs earlier in the year.
Deputy Commissioner Pelenatita Vaisuai said the drop in recorded crime levels means a reduction in the number of victims and is a positive result for Tonga.