St. Paul’s Primary School in Lae city was targeted in a break-in, which allegedly occurred between 2-3 a.m. early this morning.
The culprits used a metal rod to cut through the barbed wire before entering the school’s storage building. In one room, they stole timber, including 4 pieces of 2×4 timbers and 6 pieces of 3×2 timbers. In another room, they took a big deep fryer, a large rice cooker, a big esky, and a box containing the school’s stationery supplies.
The school suspects that the nearby market may have been involved in the incident. Broken glass louvers were left on the ground, and there is concern about illegal marijuana trading in a neighboring property.
Head teacher Mund Yalamu expressed his worry, saying, “We are doing everything we can to file a police report and address the security breach.”
He also appealed to the nearby communities and the general public, urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident to come forward and assist the police.
“This is a learning institution where there should be respect and a sense of ownership by the communities,” he added.
St. Paul’s Primary School, a Lutheran-run institution, serves 622 students and is located in the heart of Lae city.
The building that was targeted is an incomplete classroom, with four rooms, which had been used as a storage space while awaiting its completion. The break-in has raised concerns about the safety and security of the school premises.
Mr. Yalamu is in the process of filing a police report as authorities begin investigating the incident.