January
Civil society in Alotau
hears regularly of general problems of police discipline. Allegations that ranks and NCOs intimidate officers. Allegations that police are involved in rackets.
is aware that the trouble areas in Alotau for criminal activity are Ganaibeu, and the area between the Charles Abel Highway and KB.
knows of the names of two persons alleged to be gang-leaders and responsible for armed robberies around Alotau
is of the opinion that armed robbery is being used to collect money for the elections.
5th January
Attempted armed robbery: 2 armed men attempted to rob Henry Gibson in the Yato'o Furniture premises KB. Police responded quickly to the alert but the offenders got away.
13th January
Theft: Woman shopping in a supermarket had her purse stolen by a pick-pocket. K120 stolen
15th January
a new Provincial Police Commander arrived in Alotau. Mr. Poma.
16th January
Piracy: three offenders, armed with 1 factory made shotgun, and 2 bushknives, in a 1 dinghy with a 55HP Outboard, boarded a Kiwali Fishing boat just off Nigila and made off with a largish sum. The Captain and Supercargo were both slashed with bushknives. A suspect has been identified.
This offence was previously reported as an armed robbery at Kiwali/Nako Fisheries very large amount of money stolen. The beche de mer season has started. The immediate inference of this robbery is that is was "an inside job", with employees aiding & abetting.
17th January (date approximate)
Break & enter Samarai, Coral Sea Mariculture. Pearl-shells & pearls stoeln. The thieves were apprehended and taken to Alotau. But police in Alotau improperly released them. Owners travelled to Alotau and complained. Thieves were re-arrested.
18th January
robbery : gravel-pit area Charles Abel Highway outskirts of Alotau. Driver and passenger of vehicle were stopped by group of drunk men, menaced, and items stolen.
26th January
armed robbery: Napatana Lodge 0300. Offenders had guns. PASS Security guards slashed with bush-knives and beaten. Stero-system stolen. It is believed that this crime was a "pay-back" for an employee who was sacked for embezzlement, and for the contracting of PASS Security. Napatana is about 800 m from the Police Station.
29th January
armed robbery: "My underground source says that Popendetta [men] are planning to hold-up one of the banks... Police have been notified..." This message was passed on to the banks.
summary for January 2007
A new Provincial Police Commander has arrived in Alotau.
The police are said to be re-organising internally. The results are slow and difficult.
There are areas in Alotau that are crime-prevalent: Ganaibeu, the area between the Charles Abel Highway and KB, the gravel-pit, Bottom Town.
Two, possibly three, armed-gangs were operating in the Alotau area during January 2007.
Ex-criminal thought to be preparing for the elections.
Use of dingies and powerful outboard motors for armed robbery now common and serious.
No action on the loss of government control over lawlessness around Molima and Salakadi on Ferguson Island.
No action on Neighbourhood Watch groups
No action on youth alienation, support to youth, youth training, youth housing, and the causes of crime.
No action on informal housing, settlers and settlement.
Provincial leaders and police do not communicate with the People.
