Police welcome community support for surrendering stolen property from riots

Police have today welcomed the community support for the continued voluntary surrender of stolen property from the Honiara riots.

This follows significant amounts of stolen property surrendered or seized under warrant in greater Honiara over the past week.

Commissioner Mr Mostyn Mangau described recent police operations as an excellent example of cooperation and trust between the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) contingents and the wider community.

“Our citizens can see their Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is working well with SIAF contingent partners in response to the unrest two weeks ago,” Commissioner Mangau said.

“Results from Burns Creek and Panatina this week is a testament to this. It has created a level of trust and confidence the community really needs following the tragic civil unrest, and I wish to acknowledge this excellent community cooperation with police.”

Police from the RSIPF and Australian Federal Police (AFP) were this week in the Panatina and Burns Creek areas located, collect and record all the property items being surrendered, or seized.

Truckloads of looted property from various affected small businesses impacted by the riots were collected following a compliant and positive community approach

“The support from the community has been outstanding following the police call for information as to the whereabouts of stolen property with an overwhelming response to date,” Commissioner Mangau said.

On Wednesday (8 December) AFP officers including Specialist Operations members assisted the RSIPF to collect, record and lodge a significant amount of stolen property back at RSIPF Central Police Station after a two-hour operation in Burns Creek.

A four-tonne truck, two utilities, two small tray back vehicles and additional AFP vehicles transported the property in convoy back into Honiara from Burns Creek.

Commissioner Mangau said he welcomed further positive community support and engagement on this issue.

The RSIPF plan further high visibility joint specialist police operations and will deploy to various locations to collect further property in the coming days.

“I encourage anyone who may have information about property from the riots, or other information which might assist police with the ongoing investigation into the riots, to contact police,” he said.

“Police continue to investigate those involved, so it is recommended people come forward now voluntarily.”

Call police on 23666 or call the police free toll line on phone 999.