Police to continue retrieval efforts

By REBECCA KUKU
THE grace period given to people who looted shops in Port Moresby last week to return what they stole, has lapsed, authorising security force members to enter properties to retrieve stolen items.
State of Emergency (SoE) controller and acting Police Commissioner Donald Yamasombi said security force commanders could now enforce the 14-day SoE directives by entering properties and retrieving the stolen items.
He said the grace period lapsed early this week although police would still accept those voluntarily returning stolen items.
“If you bring it in yourself, we will not charge you. But if we find it ourselves, then you will face the consequences,” he said.
“Powers have been given to commanders of each section to check private properties. Security personnel will only have powers to enter a property and conduct a search with the approval of their commanders, or in situations when they chase someone into a property.”
He said security force officers had already retrieved some stolen items. Police will still allow people to take stolen items to shops that were looted.
But they will be arrested if stolen items are found in their cars, boats or homes, he said.
Police, during a dawn raid at Gerehu, found refrigerators, washing machines, pots, pans, shoes and other items at the backyards of residents living on Aniani Street.
The items were found in shallow graves at the back of private properties and in the drains.
A search of homes unearthed items such as electrical cooking appliances.