In light of the festive operations officially launched by the NCD police on December 19th at the Unagi Oval in Port Moresby, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for the NCD/Central Command Benjamin Turi, announced that police will be relying heavily on neighborhood watch and community initiatives.

Police units from both the National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province, have signaled a unified front against crime and disorder by officially launching this joint Christmas and New Year operation.

In his address, Commander Turi emphasized that the operation is already underway, with officers from both commands focusing on the safety and security of all residents.

He highlighted that this strategy has already seen significant success; over the past weekend, several suburbs reported a total absence of community fights due to local street-level cooperation.

“It is not just about the police; it is about the public.”

“We have city wardens and neighborhood watch groups in every corner, especially from Waigani Drive to Tokarara.”

“We encourage those areas that have not yet organized, to come together and look out for one another.”

This initiative follows a month of specialized training for city wardens at Kuriva, who have now been deployed back into the suburbs to curb petty crime and “bag-snatching” activities.

As part of the festive crackdown, the public can expect a high-visibility police presence targeting the following key enforcement areas:

• Drunk Driving: A strict zero tolerance policy is in effect. Offenders will be detained at the Waigani or Boroko police cells.
• Public Drinking: Drinking five meters away from a person’s home is already on public property and is strictly prohibited, regardless of whether it is a main highway or a small suburban street.
• Noise Pollution: Police have the authority to enter premises and seize sound systems if residents disturb the peace. He urged citizens to stay indoors, drink indoors, and cut the music by 10:00 PM.
• Misuse of Government Property: Any government vehicles found being used for non-official purposes or during late-night hours will be impounded immediately.

Furthermore, the police also issued a stern warning against the practice of burning tires and blocking roads during New Year celebrations, labeling it a “primitive style” of celebration that causes damage to infrastructures.

“Our governors have worked hard to build good roads. Burning tires melts the bitumen, and when the rains come, it destroys our roads.”

Neighborhood watch groups have been tasked with preventing residents from dragging rubbish, old drums, or car parts onto public streets for bonfires.

He further called on all citizens to respect one another and to ensure that the true meaning of the season is expressed.