BY ALAN McLAY

AGAIN I TAKE the opportunity to advise members that crime in Lae is on the rise and recommend people to take all the precautions they can.

Please take care when travelling along the “miles” roads, as there have been many incidents with attempted holdups, shootings and stonings.

The city is filling up with more and more people, many of whom are itinerants.

This is normal for this time of the year, as people flock to Lae for shopping, seeking employment or just to see the bright lights.

Many of these people turn to crime as money runs out or they need to get home. Carjacking’s are picking up and this will increase as we get closer to Christmas.

We advise members to be ever vigilant from now to the New Year. If you depart your home, try to leave someone in occupancy or in the absence of anyone, please secure the residence as well as possible.

When driving, keep the car doors locked and be vigilant with regard to people or crowds along the roadside.

Do not drive into areas you are not sure about or along roads leading into less secure areas. Be careful when locking the car in car parks and make sure all doors are locked.

Alan McLay is President of the Lae Chamber of Commerce. This article is taken from the Chamber’s regular newsletter