Naru: Unite in crime fight

 THE presence of Australian police officers in Lae will not solve all the city’s law and order problems overnight, Morobe Governor Kelly Naru says. 

Speaking at the welcome parade for the 13 Australian officers at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae last Friday, he said the people of Lae and Morobe had a bigger role to play in the fight against crime.

Lae has been experiencing a surge in law and order problems recently that included murders, ethnic clashes, robberies and sex attacks.

“Our 13 visitors, our Lae urban and rural police cannot solve our law and order problems if you the people do not play your part,” Naru said.

“I urge every law-abiding citizen of Morobe to be always vigilant and alert and to do everything you can to avoid trouble or stay out of trouble.”

He said Lae, the industrial hub of the country, was facing “huge challenges in law and order.”

Naru said more police manpower was needed in Morobe and hoped the number of Australian officers would increase as the programme continued. Naru said he had earlier this year bought firearms, ammunitions and vehicles for the police but said firearms alone could not solve the city’s law and order problems.

“We need a city that is safe for its citizens,” he said.

“Frankly, I am sick and tired of mothers and children suffering from thugs in the community.”