Armed robbery unit formed

By SALLY TIWARI With the formation of the police Armed Robbery Response Unit, acting Deputy Police Commissioner (operations) Fred Yakasa is confident that the initiative will improve
the constabulary’s fight against crime. After inspecting a guard of honour in the company of metropolitan
commander Supt Joseph Tondop, Yakasa said similar units would also be established in Lae, Mt Hagen and Rabaul.ACTING deputy police commissioner Operations Fred Yakasa said the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary was now better placed to fight crime with the launching of its Armed Robbery Response Unit.
Yakasa said the unit was formed to deter armed robberies in the city which had been increasing every year and causing fear among business houses and members of the public.
He said it was one of the priority areas to improve the fight against crime and that similar units would be launched in other parts of the country, including Lae, Mt Hagen and Rabaul.  
“Most armed robbery offenders were repeat offenders and with the launch of the unit, the officers will be properly equipped to deal with them.
“If the Armed Robbery Response Unit does a good job, then within the next six to 12 months we should expect a major drop in the crime rate in the city,” he said.
Also launched was the Serious Crime Crack Unit (SCCU), which will play a similar role but concentrate more on major crimes.
Ten police vehicles will be used by the units.
Of the 10, two were donated by National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, while a 10-seater was given by the PNG-China Friendship Association. The rest were from the constabulary.
Yakasa thanked the donors for the vehicle as well as former Police Commissioner Anthony Wagambie for his efforts in securing funds for the vehicles.
He said five of the vehicles would be used by the armed robbery unit, while three would be given to the SCCU.
The other two would go to the traffic unit.
Yakasa warned against the misuse of the vehicles and called on all officers to uphold discipline.