The snatching of a bag yesterday afternoon has resulted in the burning down of a family home and a mini trade store in Port Moresby.
This comes after the owner of the bag, a known member of the Defence Force, retaliated and destroyed the property.
Details of the incident are sketchy at the moment, but it is understood the family affected has lost their main source of revenue.
The incident happened last night, when relatives of the perpetrators were preparing to compensate and return the bag belonging to the PNGDF soldier.
They claim a group of men drove into the premises of the victims, where the house and store were located, assaulted the community members, before setting fire to the house and mini trade store.
There is a notable increase in bag snatching and other petty crimes in Port Moresby.
Statistics from police reports reveal that most of these incidents occur in the afternoon at bus stops, along traffic lights or roundabouts and even market places.
Early this year, NCD and Central Divisional Commander, Sylvester Kalaut issued a warning to Port Moresby residents to be careful when moving around places where there is not enough police presence.
An official report is yet to be made to police but settlers here claim police didn’t response despite their numerous calls to the Boroko Station.
