Businesses warned to be vigilant

By JIMMY KALEBE
BUSINESSES along the Highlands Highway from Nadzab to Watarais in Morobe have been warned to be vigilant and take steps to minimise the likelihood of being targeted by criminals, says a police official.
Morobe rural commander Supt David Warap said recently that there was an increase in armed hold-ups especially robberies at shops and he advised these businesses to adjust their times with regards to opening and especially closing.
“From past experience and recently with the two armed hold-ups at Nadzab and 40-Mile, robbers took advantage of the times these stores opened and closed for business and the effectiveness of security systems at these shops,” Supt Warap said.
He said it was possible that the recent crimes were committed by the same group who would be organised and targeting these businesses.
“This gang has between 10 and 20 members and they attack at odd hours when police are not around. Many shops along the highway open for business between 6am and 7am and that is too early,” he said.
He said some shops stayed open until late into the evening which was only inviting criminals to target them.
Warap said in the early hours of Monday, around 20 men held up a shop at 40-Mile and made off with an undisclosed amount of store goods and cash.
“Again, it is now up to the shop owners and the public at large to work closely with police and report any suspicious occasions as police cannot not be at one point all the time,” he said.
He said the armed robbery at 40-Mile may involve suspects from the nearby settlements and others coming from outside areas like Lae.
Warap further warned those involved in criminal activities along the highway that police would do everything in their power to protect lives and property.