12 Aug 2008

Curfew to rid PNG police barracks of criminals

7:44 am on 12 August 2008

A nightime curfew has been placed on all police barracks in the Papua New Guinea capital after investigators discovered a recent bank robbery was planned inside one of the barracks.

The National newspaper says the 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. curfew will last for three months.

The Metropolitan police commander, Fred Yakasa, says he hopes the curfew will minimise unlawful activities inside the eight barracks, which he says have become safe havens and points of contact for criminals and their associates.

He says wild parties, the consumption of illegal drugs and other unlawful activities have given the police barracks a very bad name.

Mt Yakasa says he has an obligation to many hardworking, committed and dedicated police officers to ensure the integrity of the force and its barracks are maintained.