By Sylvester Gawi – EM TV, Lae
Madang residents were urged to celebrate responsibly during the Christmas and New Year period.
Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent, Sylvester Kalaut made this appeal prior to their police festive season operations.
Over 200 police personnel will be deployed in this operation, which will commence on Thursday.
The once peaceful town of Madang has made headlines in recent months, for petty crimes, alcohol and drug related problems.
During the Christmas and New Year period, police will be beefing up operations throughout Madang town including its outside districts.
This is to ensure that residents celebrate and enjoy Christmas in its true meaning. In the last six months, criminal activities have escalated in the heart of the township, and residents have raised concerns about their safety.
Petty crimes, from bag snatching, pick pocketing and public assaults have painted a bad image of the tourist centre.
PPC Chief Superintendent, Sylvester Kalaut says police will be conducting foot patrols at streets and major shopping areas to ensure people move around safely.
Police will also be setting up roadblocks along highways leading into Madang town to ensure drivers are sober and traffic rules are being followed.
Homebrew and marijuana production and consumption will be closely monitored and those caught will face the full brunt of the law.
Lae city will also see similar police operations.
Lae’s Metropolitan Superintendent, Ivan Lakatani says police will begin their operations later this week and has called for public support.
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