Lae police reports trouble-free Christmas

By PETER MIVA
LAE police reported a trouble-free Christmas and Boxing Day period with no major crimes due to heavy police presence along the main roads and corners of the city.
A one-day liquor ban on Christmas helped as well as random road blocks, and foot beats around selected areas.
Metropolitan commander chief Supt Nema Mondiai said the special festive season police operation would run until Jan 2.
More than 400 men and women from all units including the reservists have been deployed.
Mr Mondiai said police reported some minor stealing and unruly behaviour but these were of no serious concern.
He encouraged the residents to maintain their good behaviour into the New Year and warned them to celebrate within their premises.
Mr Mondiai also issued a strong warning to any person intent on causing trouble not to do so because the police would show no tolerance.
He said that police were using all resources available, and was grateful to business houses for their support.
Mr Mondiai said that police were always on standby to assist businesses escort to and from the banks when moving large sums of money during the festive period at no cost to prevent armed robberies.
He also encouraged businesses and property owners to arrange security over their properties and homes when leaving the city for other centres for holidays to prevent burglaries.
Mr Mondiai thanked and commended the business community and residents who had cooperated and assisted the police in maintaining law and order in the city this year and asked for the same support and attitude in the New Year.