Just a week after a Police Sector Response Unit was launched in Lae, criminals who once took advantage of weak policing in Papua New Guinea’s second largest City are starting to feel the pinch.
The unit was the first to respond after an armed robbery early Monday.
The stolen vehicle used by six suspects was tailed. After fleeing the vehicle, the suspects were chased on foot until three were caught.
According to police the men, armed with homemade guns, walked into Lae’s BNBM hardware and tried to rob the safe.
One of the managers resisted and they stabbed him.
Police were alerted within minutes, the Sector Response Unit spung into action. Other units blocked of exit routes.
Eye witnesses said even while under fire, police remained controlled and didn’t open fire until they were in the clear.
At least one of the suspects was shot by police and taken to Angau hospital.
The vehicle was recovered along with the weapons and radios used by the suspects.
Since setting up the Sector response unit, Lae’s police command has been monitoring the results.
The average response time has been anything between five and ten minutes.
Lae’s Metropolitan Superintendent, Anthony Wagambie Jnr., has since issued a stern warning to criminals to stop attempting to disrupt businesses in Lae City.
