Madang reports rise in petty crimes as police step up operations

CRIMINAL activities, especially petty crimes, have soared in Madang, provincial police commander Anthony Wagambie Jr says.
He said the rise in petty crimes came in the wake of the recent riot in Lae as people had been flooding into the province in the past two months.
He said police were aware of the situation and appealed for community support as the force still lacked manpower and logistics.
He urged people to be vigilant and cautious when moving around town.
“Police have also stepped up its operations to ensure that families, visitors and the public celebrate Christmas in its true spirit,” Wagambie said.
He warned that if any person was caught causing a nuisance in the community he or she would be dealt with accordingly.
Meantime, Wagambie said a failed robbery took place outside the Madang BSP bank’s stairway as two women fought off a suspect who had been following them.
He said the incident took place last
Friday.
The women were believed to be carrying a substantial amount of money.
 “The suspect lunged forward, grabbing the second woman’s bag containing the cash but the woman put up a fight.
“The first woman then joined in to ward off the suspect,” Wagambie said.
“In the struggle the suspect removed a revolver and aimed to shoot the woman but failed when the gun got jammed,” he said.
Wagambie said the suspect then fled.
He said no one tried to stop the suspect from fleeing.
“I appeal to the public not to turn a blind eye but stop such criminal activity to help us (police) curb crime in our town,” he said.
In another incident a young man was shot on the leg after he fled from police at a roadblock. 
He had acted suspiciously and when police tried to search him, he fled. 
The suspect is believed to be from Kerema in Gulf, and a resident of the town’s Papuan compound in Lae.
“He remains in hospital and will be charged as soon as he is discharged,” Wagambie said.