Criminal elements in Lae have now changed their methods of stealing.
There has been a marked increase in break and enter stealing, at major company premises, as well as residential areas, during the early hours of the morning between 2am and 3am.
This is according to Lae police boss, Anthony Wagambie Jnr.
He said most hit have been around the industrial area at Malahang and Papuan compound.
“Criminals are using both factory and handmade firearms to carry out this crime.”
He said in recent major break in incidences, there has also been instances that police and security guards response units have been fired up on by the criminals.
“Our CID have been working around the clock to establish links, and police are now carrying out operations to clamp down on this,” he said.
Wagambie encourages the general public of Lae to make use of the toll free number to report any suspicious person moving about in their area so that police can check.
He adds that these individuals pose a threat to the community, as they are armed and can cause harm.
“I am warning those individuals that are going about doing these criminal activities that time will catch up with them soon.
“It’s better that you stop now or meet your fate when you cross paths with police,” he warned.
(Lae police can be reached on, Toll Free number: 70903300)