festive period

Anthony Wagambie Jnr says they have already started the pre-festive season operations.

The Lae police boss has given residents the assurance that his team will be out in full force during the Christmas and New Year period.  

“They should expect to see police all over the place, we’ll have them positioned in all parts of the city,” he said.

“And I encourage the public to make use of our toll free number – 7090 3300 – to call police if they see anything happening, or anything about to happen, or if they feel unsafe.

Traffic police director Joe Joseph confirmed this, adding that there were no major fatalities reported.

The serious among these happened this morning at 7am on Kiffu Hawk Street, Seven-Mile.

He said an Isuzu truck, belonging to a security firm, rolled off the road after engine failure. While there were people injured, none were fatal.

“People are becoming wiser and taking caution,” he said.

But the festive period is not over yet, and he is reminding people to continue being cautious.

“New Year is coming so be safe and celebrate at home.

NCD Police boss Ben Turi said that as usual, people will be allowed to have alcohol during their celebrations but they must be responsible.

Turi confirmed there will not be analcohol ban in order to cut down on black markets in settlements.

“Similar to last year, we allowed alcohol during the festive period and we didn’t experience any serious reports in relation to alcohol consumption.

“During Easter we also allowed alcohol to be taken but with respect to the community and people behaved so we commend the public.