Police in the National Capital District are conducting awareness around Boroko, focusing on areas where criminals, petty offenders, and illegal vendors are known to gather.
One location identified is the abandoned casino and an old, run-down hardware near the Four Mile bus stop.
Police say these areas are being used for illegal activities, including drinking alcohol and hiding stolen goods. Openings in the fence around the property make it easy for criminals and vendors to escape when pursued or to hide after committing offences.
National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika confirmed that such vacant buildings and drains attract people without permanent residences, who often engage in petty crimes or unauthorized street vending.
Police recently visited the area after receiving information about a phone theft suspect believed to be residing there. However, they found that while the suspect no longer lives there, his parents continue to stay nearby and sell goods in front of the abandoned casino.
Sika highlighted that many petty crimes are committed by individuals living in illegal and makeshift locations, such as vacant buildings and shopfronts.
He thanked police officers and wardens for their efforts to conduct awareness and warned that police will continue pursuing offenders, even if they run into private properties.
During the awareness, police were initially advised not to enter the casino premises since it is private property. Sika said officers explained to the occupants that the fence must be properly secured to prevent criminal access and illegal shortcuts through the area.
He added that he will contact the relevant authorities to identify the property owner and recommend building a proper fence to stop the location from becoming a hub for criminal activities.
Sika emphasized that police would remain vigilant and continue addressing such problem areas across the city.