Top cop anticipates surge in crime

 By JUNIOR UKAHA

POLICE in Lae are anticipating a surge in crime after Sunday’s Buimo jail breakout and are warning businesses to review their security.

Metropolitan commander Supt Iven Lakatani said yesterday in Lae, Morobe, that more than half of the 44 escapees remained at large.

One escapee was shot dead and 18 have been recaptured.

He said businesses should improve security and surveillance on their premises.

He urged companies trying to transfer large sums of cash to call his office to make arrangements for police escorts to avoid robbery.

Lakatani told The National yesterday that it was likely those still on the run would team up with other criminals to commit crimes.

 “I caution business houses to be alert and vigilant,” Lakatani said.

“They (escapees) can strike at anytime,” he said.

“They have done such things before and nothing is stopping them from doing it again,” he said.

He said police do not have photos of the escapees and it would be difficult to track them down.

Lakatani said police were relying on any credible information they got from  the public to track down the escapees. 

Lakatani also cautioned women and girls to be careful when moving around in the city due to the high number of rape reports.