K70,000 missing in China Harbour office break-in

CRIMINALS broke into the China Habour company’s office near the Momote Airport in Manus and escaped with K70,000 in cash, according to police.
It is one of several such cases in the recent weeks on the island province.
Two other Lorengau-based companies, Papindo Trading Ltd and Pokapin Trading, were broken into over the past few weeks.
China Habour is contracted to redevelop the Momote Airport, with funding coming from the Asian Development Bank.
Provincial police commander Chief Insp David Yapu said suspects broke into the administration office and removed a “portable safe” before escaping over the back fence.
Yapu said police believed a boat or canoe was used to transport the safe to a secluded spot before its content was emptied.
The incident happened on Saturday between 2am and 4am.
Yapu said the safe contained K70,000 in cash, 20 passports for the company’s Chinese employees and company documents.
“This is an inside job,” Yapu said.
“Police are working hard to find the suspects.
“I have assigned an investigation taskforce team assisted by Mobile Squad 18 to investigate and arrest the perpetrators and recover the safe and its contents.
“Such incidents will only cause fear and threats to the community.”
He appealed to the president and ward councillors of Los Negros local level government, especially at RiuRiu, Naringel, Lolak, Papitalai and Mokereng wards to assist police with their investigation to apprehend the criminals.