New trend in crime emerging, officer says

A NEW trend in crime is emerging with banks, business houses and organisations being targeted because of accessibility to blueprints of buildings by criminals, a senior police officer says.
Asst Comm of Police (ACP) crimes Hodges Ette said the recent robbery of BSP in Kerema, Gulf, was done because the suspects had got their hands on the building plan.
“The crime trend has changed, that’s the bottom line,” ACP Ette said.
“Gang members are getting smarter and now before committing a robbery, they look at all avenues before they try to rob the building.
“I want to give credit to the Divisional Command Southern, Gulf police command, OIC-CID (officer-in-charge for criminal investigation division) and Gulf CID who collaborated with the armed robbery squad to achieve results where investigation has led to the capture of most of the suspects, except one who is yet to be captured.
“If a crime is committed and you have information, it doesn’t mean you can become a witness.
“You can always give information discreetly.
“To the remote line areas and provincial headquarters, this type of crimes are major crimes but to investigate the crimes is difficult because of logistics and personnel.
“But should you need help, you can call on the police headquarters to the office and we can see how we can assist you.”
Nine suspects have been arrested after the break, enter and stealing of the Kerema Bank South Pacific on Dec 13. About K220,000 was stolen.
Investigations continue.