Crimes rising in Lae, police say

By HEZRON KISING
PUBLIC harassment and assault cases have increased in settlements and suburbs in Lae, according to Lae Met Supt Chris Kunyanban.
“The rate of assault cases reported to police in Lae has increased to 10 and over reported per week in urban settlements and suburbs and is a serious concern,” Chief Insp Kunyanban said.
He said minor crimes such as harassment and pickpocketing were also increasing.
Chief Insp Kunyanban said most of the cases reported were from settlements and suburbs such as Banana Block at Cassowary Road, Bumbu and Back Road where there have been an increase in petty crimes.
He highlighted two incidents in Lae this month where a man was killed at Waria Compound at Bumbu ward two, Lae Urban local level government and another case of a senior village court coordinator who was robbed and stabbed at Wadema Block at Bumayong market area. The suspects involved in the two killings were arrested and detained as investigations continued.
Chief Insp Kunyanban urged the public to report any suspicious activities such as youths gathering or consuming alcohol and drugs.
He said a tactic that criminals were using was to operate in large groups from 20 to 30 men to rob and break into stores and properties, especially in Lae’s outer suburbs.
He said it was important that the public stayed vigilant and reported any suspicious activities for police to respond effectively.
“The important thing is for the public to let police know through the police toll free number when noticing groups of people moving around in early hours or at odd times,” he said.