Officers set for show

 POLICE in Lae have warned people planning to go to the Morobe Agricultural Show this weekend to stay out of trouble.

Lae police operations commander Fred Kaiwa issued the warning following a recent spike in law and order problems in the city. 

The two-day show is expected to draw hundreds of people from Momase, Highlands and the New Guinea Islands regions.   

The show is one of the biggest events in the province’s calendar and is a major tourist attraction.

“I will have 300 policemen on the ground. This will include two mobile squad units,” Kaiwa said.

“Anyone thinking of causing problems must think again.

“There will also be an alcohol ban and anyone wishing to consume alcohol must stay home.”

Kaiwa said police patrols, vehicle searches and surveillances would be conducted in and outside the show perimeters.

Kaiwa said the operation would start on Friday and end next Saturday.

Kaiwa said drug peddlers, drunkards and petty criminals would be targeted to ensure that the public enjoyed the show.

Police meanwhile, urged residents in Lae to be wary of their movements around the city because of a surge in “surprise robberies.”

Kaiwa said they had recorded a surge in robberies on people, motorists and shops.

“It has become a trend that every year just before the show, crimes tend to increase,” Kaiwa said.