Talking Points for Press Conference addressed by Acting Police Director Hon. Rose E. Stryker

Ø Members of the Press, I would firstly like to thank all of you for responding to our invitation on short notice. Today, we call you to inform the public about an alleged burglary that occurred at two major business centers in Monrovia during the weekend of  June 23-24, 2012.

Ø The Business Centers include MEGA CELL and Quality Plus Real Wear located at the intersection of Carey and Benson Streets. Following the alleged Burglary, the Anti- Burglary Unit of the Liberia National Police received the crime report on the morning of June 25, 2012.

Ø LNP Officers were immediately dispatched to the crime scene and at the same time launched a manhunt for the suspects. Owners of the business centers complained that several items and large amount of were taken away by the unknown criminals from the establishments.

The suspects made away with the following from MEGA CELL Business Center

·       US$3,800.00 (Cash)

·       25 bottles of spray

·       13 digital cameras

·       4 blue tooth

·       97 pieces of assorted brands of cell phones

·       1 gray HP laptop

·       20 pieces of wrist watches

And from Quality Plus Real Wear Business Center

·       US$6,000.00 (cash)

·       1 big green barrel containing 400 pieces of assorted clothing at US$6,000.00

·       1 cartoon containing 60 pairs of lady shoes valued at US$3,000.00.

Members of the Press, due to our commitment and dedication to fight crime across Liberia, let me inform you that THREE SUSPECTS have been arrested in connection with the alleged burglary.

They are:

1.     Augustine Kiazolu (Prime suspect)

2.    Bonnah Clarke

3.    Lawrence Washington

The below listed items were recovered by the Police upon the arrest of the suspects

·       40 pieces of cell phones along with accessories

·       4 Video cameras of various types

·       6 Digital cameras

As I speak to you the suspects are being investigated at the Crime Services Division and they will subsequently be forwarded to court for prosecution pending the outcome of the investigation.

Let me also take this time to inform you that we have begun the inspection of vehicles that are registered as private but involved in commercial activities. Those vehicles that are not painted yellow will be impounded until they are painted. Absolutely no private vehicle will be allowed to do commercial transport. This is a violation of the Vehicle and Traffic Law of Liberia and it is an attempt by operators to defraud the government of its revenue.

Additionally, the Liberia National Police through the Public Safety Division will resume the clearing of the streets and sidewalks by next week. Those areas that will be clear include Red-light, ELWA Junction, Duala, Broad Street, Randall Street and other prime areas. We would like to solicit the public’s cooperation and indulgence as we undertake this all important endeavor.

Thank you very much. You may now ask questions