Juveniles held up boat: Police

SEVEN armed juveniles allegedly held up a boat bound for Misima Island, Milne Bay, with store goods and stole only frozen chickens four hours before New Year, police commander Supt Peter Barkie says.
“We are now checking out nearby islands to check villagers who hosted a New Year’s party that had frozen chickens,” he said.
Supt Barkie said another five suspects allegedly broke into a village trade store on Samarai Island on New Year’s Day at about 12.30pm and stole biscuits after celebrating at a New Year’s party.
He said the seven juveniles, armed with a firearm and bush knives, held up the boat near Nigilai Island on Thursday, at about 8pm and stole the frozen chickens.
Supt Barkie condemned the robbery and warned the people that piracy was a serious crime and police officers would shoot and kill anyone committing that crime at sea.
He said the boat left late when it should have departed during the day.
The boat was bound for Misima with store goods ordered by three Asian-run shops on the island.
The suspects intercepted the boat with a dinghy and boarded it, holding up the crew and taking the chicken, K1,000 from the crew, along with other personal items such as mobile phones, and escaped towards Watuluma Island.
The boat returned to Alotau to assess the loss and see if insurance could cover the cost of the stolen goods and the other items.
It then sailed to Misima with replacement of goods.
Supt Barkie said they had detained five juveniles at the Alotau Police Station for allegedly stealing biscuits from a trade store.