Members of organised gangs have been carrying out a rash of robberies in Lae in recent months keeping residents fearful for their lives and property.
While on the run, they are armed with weapons in the West Taraka area causing residents in the area and the surrounding community to live in fear.
Lae Metropolitan Superintendent, Anthony Wagambie Jnr says there are many more good people living in this area but they have been living with fear from criminal elements.
“I appeal to them for their cooperation so that we can all work together to take way this tag of “Wild West” from West Taraka as everyone has a right to move about freely without being held at ransom by a few criminals,” Wagambie Jnr said.
The Lae police boss has warned criminals who take refuge there that police will not stop adding that they are now using all forms of technology as well as infiltrating areas in which the police had once found difficult to enter.
He added that public support is needed for us change and “we will not back down but keep going into these hot spots within the Taraka area.”
‘I am calling on Timson Bruce alias “Whitey”, of mixed parentage Kainantu, Eastern Highlands and Caucasian, that his gang members have been apprehended already and he will be as well soon.”
Wagambie said “Whitey” must surrender to police if he fears for his own safety and he must go through his elders or leaders in the community so they can get in touch with him and the police can go in and pick him up.
“We know that he is in posession of a factory made pistol grip shot gun and the community is living in fear because of his presence. The law will still catch up with him so it would be better if he surrenders with the firearm to police instead of having police chase after him,” Wagambie said offering the ultimatum.