Lae Police Boss Anthony Wagambie Jnr

Lae Metropolitan Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jr says an operational plan is in place already and has been executed.

“All Lae police personnel will be used in these operation and a 24 hour police presence will be seen at strategic locations across the city,” said Wagambie Jnr.

The Lae police commander said despite Lae having a history of ethnic clashes, harassment by drunkards and disorderly conduct, the 2015 and 2016 New Year celebrations have been proven to be successful.

Lae police boss, Anthony Wagambie Jnr says some members of the public and those travelling in and out of West Taraka have been harassed but these are only a few incidents.

“Generally West Taraka is now losing its bad reputation as the Wild West of Lae City,” says Wagambie.

Wagambie says police will not be shaken by these threats from a very small minority.

“I am issuing my warning to these individuals, you better not try it, because I assure you, you try it and you will get it.”

Lae Police Boss Anthony Wagambie Jnr said this was after six suspects in separate robberies were shot as a result of involving themselves in an attempted armed holdup.

"Lae police have strategized policing to deal with the increase in criminal activities further adding that criminals will be caught and dealt with by the police."

Business and the public in Lae have been assured that police have planned operations to cater for their safety.

He adds that Lae police will continue to work hard to ensure public safety in the city.

Getsy Mera was identified as the suspect who pulled the trigger on the Late doctor about two months ago along the back road of Malahang in a failed robbery.

The late doctor was pronounced dead on arrival at Angau Hospital.

With the help of the community, police launched a manhunt for the five named suspects immediately and two suspects were apprehended while the third surrendered to Lae Metropolitan Superintendent.

Lae police boss Anthony Wagambie Jnr says that although these incidents have happened, police have moved fast to recover these stolen vehicles.

Wagambie Jnr  has issued a warning to all Lae motorists to be vigilant in places they are travelling in adding that a couple of suspects have been captured already.

“Most of the vehicles stolen have been done randomly by opportunist whilst some have been stolen to be used to commit other crimes in the city,” he said.

The matter reported to police not the first such incident that has happened and reported to police.

Lae Police Boss Anthony Wagambie Jnr has condemned the attack on the firemen as they were simply doing their job by attending to the emergency.

“If there were people still in the house or if the fire was to spread, those that were throwing stones at the fire trucks, preventing the emergency workers from coming out would be held responsible,” Wagambie Jnr says.

The incident occurred on August 13 at around 9:30 pm.

The body of the woman was discovered inside the Igam Army Barracks over a fortnight ago.

In a statement, the police said the suspect is the son of a serving PNGDF soldier. He was taken into custody by police detectives after their investigations.

The suspect was the deceased’s boyfriend.

“With the help and assistance of eye witnesses, police carried out a thorough investigation and managed to identify and have the suspect arrested,” the police said in a statement.