The Lae city council in Papua New Guinea is banning street vending in key parts of the city.
The Post Courier reports Lae's mayor Koim Trilu Leahy has linked the growing number of street vendors in PNG's second biggest city to crimes such as rape, violence and theft.
Mr Leahy says whoever sells retail items on the streets will be locked up in the cells without bail.
Street vending is a common source of income for people in urban parts of Papua New Guinea. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
He also expressed concerns that the presence of street vendors in public areas, especially on foot-paths and bus stops, has caused inconvenience for the free movement of the public.
The mayor has directed the Lae community police unit to conduct foot patrols to enforce the ban.
