City sees drop in crime

THE crime rate in the National Capital District and Central has declined to a manageable level since December, police say.
Assistance Commissioner Police NCD/Central Command Anthony Wagambie Jr said in a statement that crime had decreased after a sector patrol was created in NCD to support Central police highway patrol and rural response unit.
According to the police January report, 11 armed robberies were committed compared to 20 robberies the previous month.
“We have been faced with logistical and fuel problems but this has not hindered our personnel from carrying out their duties,” Wagambie said.
“I am quite impressed with our Fox units, their response and proactive policing has picked up very
well.”
Wagambie said NCD Met Sup Perou N’dranou and his zone commanders had displayed leadership in ensuring that their plans were executed.
“Police response to incidents is generally, as I had expected it to be, but even more, while many people have been using the toll free number 1800 100 to report crime.”
He said since last October, there were no major robberies targeting commercial banks and business houses and car thefts had usually resulted in the vehicle being recovered by police shortly after being stolen.
Wagambie said criminals stealing cars during armed hold ups would be caught as police had taken note of their methods.
He commended the dog unit and mobile squad for their work in supporting the sector patrols around the city.
Meanwhile, Wagambie said provincial police commanders have been able to deploy personnel for highway patrol checks and attendance to complaints in the districts.
He said Central police had been able to attend to most incidents in the districts.
Wagambie said the system used in Lae was starting to see results in NCD.
“The NCD sector patrol trial, known as the Fox Units, have been performing exceptionally well,” he said.
“Overhearing the police radio you will hear the Fox units all over the city and responding promptly to incidents.”
He said the sector patrol concept was suited for urban settings.