Police blamed for rise in crime

THE ongoing breakdown in law and order in Mt Hagen is bad for businesses and public safety, businessman Arnold Kuk says.
“Petty crimes, car thefts, killings, bag-snatching, street selling, marijuana, drunkards, harassing of girls and women and ethnic clash are prevailing and worsening,” he said.
Speaking in a media conference on Thursday, Kuk blamed police for the law and order breakdown in Mt Hagen.
“The public and businessmen are looking to police to guarantee their safety,” he said.
“Some crimes are reported in the media but many others have not been made public.
“Police in Western Highlands must deal with these problems and give confidence to businessmen and the public.
“Land-grabbing is also becoming a very serious concern, preventing development in the city.”