Metropolitan Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jnr confirmed with Loop PNG that 17 of the male prisoners were killed during the escape, three were recaptured and 57 are still at large.
“We anticipate an increase in criminal activities in the city, with these people on the run. The public must be vigilant,” Wagambie Jnr said.
“The majority of those that escaped were arrested for serious crimes and were in custody awaiting trial.”
The Lae Police boss appealed to the 57 prisoners still on the run to surrender.
