foot beat patrols

China Town police were carrying out footbeat patrols through Geks compound settlement and through to the beach front at Voco Point when they noticed two men acting suspiciously.

Police said they questioned them and upon searching, discovered packs of marijuana.

“They were at Voco Point to sell the drugs to dealers from Salamaua area,” alleged Lae police in a statement.

The men, from Southern Highlands and Simbu, have been detained, charged and court papers are being prepared.

The suspects had in their possession a homemade gun, hunting knife and live ammunition.

They were apprehended at the back of Huonville Primary School

This area has been prone to armed hold up on motor vehicles and pedestrians.

Lae Police Boss, Anthony Wagambie Jnr confirmed that the two have been arrested, charged and locked up.

He said Police stations in Lae have been putting their members out on foot beat more often now in hotspot areas.

The two suspects definitely had the intention of committing a crime when they were apprehended by Police.

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Ben Turi says foot beat patrols will increase police visibility in busy areas, enhance our citizens' feeling of safety, and build bridges between citizens and police.

“Police officer are slacking off and are either sitting in the vehicles or driving around aimlessly,” Turi says.

Turi adds that officers should have knowledge of their area and should knowing shopkeepers and regulars by name now and they are expected to visit businesses along their beat and to interact with citizens.