Residents of West Taraka foiled an attempted armed robbery when a group of men tried to break into a rental property in the community between 2 a.m and 3 a.m yesterday. 

According to eyewitnesses, eight men were involved in the raid. In an unusual attempt to disguise their identities, six of these men were dressed in meri-blouses and wigs with their faces covered with masks. 

The group was reportedly armed with a firearm, a homemade gun and a wire catapult.

The break-in attempt was disrupted when alert residents intervened and chased the suspects away before any property was stolen.

While fleeing, one of the suspects fired a wire catapult, shattering the rear windscreen of a public motor vehicle (PMV) bus parked inside the fenced property. 

No police presence was reported during or immediately following the incident. Community members managed the situation on-site, and no arrests have been confirmed at this time.

West Taraka is considered one of the notorious communities in Lae and falls under the Lae District administratively and the Huon Gulf District politically. 

Meanwhile, the Landlord and the tenants are yet to file a formal complaint with police and the suspects remain unidentified. 

Inside PNG will follow-up with Lae Police on patrols in West Taraka and whether an investigation has been opened.