Kavieng police apprehend four armed robbery suspects

Four armed criminals who were involved in robbing Diamond Brothers Supermarket in Kavieng have been apprehended and are now detained at Kavieng Police Station.

New Ireland Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Albert Beli confirmed that the four suspects, who were in the company of more than ten armed criminals who robbed the shop this morning (Thursday, January 29), were apprehended after police were alerted to the robbery.

He said the armed men, after robbing the shop, left with an undisclosed amount of money and other valuable items when police were alerted.

PPC Beli said that according to the police brief, it was alleged that two of the armed men, who pretended to be passengers in a taxi, tied up the taxi driver, drove off with his car, and met up with the other armed men who returned to the town to execute their robbery plan.

He said that after robbing the shop, they drove out, fired five rounds of firecrackers, and drove off towards Kavieng Airport when the police were alerted.

Police gave chase and caught up with the robbers. When they saw the police, they left the vehicle at the edge of the airstrip and took off on foot. Police, in hot pursuit, caught one and then went on to catch another three while the rest escaped.

"We will interview them all and find out the identities of the others. The amount of money stolen is yet to be confirmed by the store owner, along with the other items. Currently, an investigation is underway," PPC Beli said.

He further added that the suspects, who were caught, are of mixed parentage. They will be profiled and charged accordingly. He said that with the increase in technology, no criminals will get away if they think of committing such offenses.

PPC Beli warned parents to speak to their children who are practicing criminal activities. He said that if the criminals are armed, they will be shot because the danger is imminent during a hot pursuit.