An increase in armed robbery cases in West New Britain in recent times is not only alarming but very concerning for the general public, businesses and the authiorities. Provincial Police Commander for West New Britain, Superintendent Peter Barkie mentioned that due to the rise of un-employment and other issues, young people turn to these criminal activities, thus police have been on their feet tending to situations. Barkie said armed robbers involved in the recent attempted robbery on a shop in Kimbe town over the weekend were foiled by police and only one till of cash was taken. PPC Barkie said the suspects have been identified and arrests will soon be made. “Unfortunately we have not yet apprehended any of them but at this stage it appears that we know who they are and soon will be in police custody.” Investigations are ongoing and police are expecting to pick up some of the suspects later on this week. Meanwhile they are also working to identify suspects involved in another incident that occurred just outside Kimbe at Morokea where armed robbers also attempted to rob a shop but that was disrupted by Police. He said hopefully through their partnership with the community, they will be able to apprehend those involved in these incidents. “With the support and partnership we have with the community, we should be able to reduce these incidents.” He said he and his men still have a lot of work to do and are relying on the support from the public.