The Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama will be calling for an urgent briefing on the crime situation in the country from the Police Commissioner Esala Teleni.

In a statement this afternoon, Commodore Bainimarama said he is concerned by the perceived rise in crime following the removal of soldiers from the checkpoints.

Bainimarama said he is particularly concerned about home invasions, robberies with violence, attacks on taxi drivers and desecration of Hindu temples and they have received numerous requests for the return of the soldiers at the checkpoints.

He said clearly there is an urgent need to look into how the police force can be assisted to improve their performance in fighting crime and they need to think of new ways in dealing with the problem.

The Interim Prime Minister reiterated that law and order is a top priority for the interim government as it is vital to give confidence to the people in Fiji, improve their sense of security and well being and to promote the much needed investment from both local and overseas investors.

Police Commissioner Esala Teleni is yet to comment on the matter.