The Solomon Islands Police have opened a Beat Office at the Central Markets in an effort to fight the growing number of complaints of petty crime in the area.

Crimes such as gambling, pickpocketing, fighting, consumption of alcohol and marijuana have increased slightly. Police say the crime rate in the area is not at alarming levels but certainly warrant police attention.

Police Commander Honiara Central, Superintendent Nathan Ratu, said the idea of the project was to stop the petty crime before it started.

"The Beat Office will consist of a superintendent and at least three constables. They have been positioned on the top floor of the Market Administration Office so they will have a good view of what is going on," Superintendent Ratu said. "The crime in the Market area is not at an alarming level but it is becoming quite concerning. The Beat Officers will be patrolling each day and will be available to take complaints and arrest offenders."

The Central Market Beat Office will be operating each day and stall operators are encouraged to get to know the officers and report crime. Crime at the Central Market can also be reported to police through the Crimewatch number 999.