Car theft reducing: Police

By SYLVESTER WEMURU
THEFT of motor vehicles in Lae had started decreasing after the introduction of the Sector Response Unit (SRU) by former Met Supt Anthony Wagambie Jr.
Officer-in-charge of the Lae Motor Squad Sgt Allan Pinia told The National that criminals were now resorting to hiring vehicles, using them for a while and then selling the vehicles.
“The SRU has also helped minimise the crime rate in Lae,” he said.
“From our records, since 2016, there were only four outstanding cases of stolen motor vehicles.
“That is a very good sign,”
Pina said last month a hired vehicle was sold to a man in Bulolo for K30 000. “We have since seized the vehicle for investigations and the suspects responsible for selling the hired vehicle were identified and arrested.
He said with tracking systems, suspects and vehicles could not hide anymore
The suspect who stole the vehicle in Lae was arrested by policeman from Lae at 7-Mile, Port Moresby, and was taken back to Lae and was formally charged.
Pinia said the two suspects who sold the hired vehicle were now held in the police lock-up awaiting court hearing. The vehicle was recovered in Bulolo after one of the suspects was flown to Bulolo from Port Moresby. The vehicle has been returned to the owner.