Crime and Pollution in Lae

Crime Data in Lae

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Lae faces significant challenges regarding crime, with a high crime index of 78.07. Public concern is high both for personal safety and the increasing crime rates.

The fear of violent crimes and property crimes significantly affects residents, who express deep concerns about safety, particularly at night.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes, including car theft and home break-ins, are prevalent concerns in Lae. Residents' fear of these incidents is quite high, contributing to a sense of insecurity across the city.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related issues add another layer of complexity to Lae's safety concerns. The prevalence of drug crimes is seen as a significant threat to the community's security.
• Violent Crimes - Residents have voiced strong fears concerning violent crimes, which are notably high. These crimes greatly impact the city's perceived safety and quality of life.
• Public Safety - Safety is a major concern in Lae, particularly after dark. During the day, the insecurity comes down slightly, but overall perceptions of safety are low across the city.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - There is a prevalent sentiment in Lae that crime is on the rise, exacerbating public fears and complicating efforts to improve safety experiences among residents.
• Specific Fears - Many in Lae worry about being attacked or insulted, and there are additional concerns over discrimination based on ethnicity or religion, indicating the need for targeted community interventions.

Summary of Crime in Lae

Efforts to combat crime in Lae must continue and intensify, focusing particularly on aggressive tendencies and property crimes, to restore public confidence and ensure a safer environment.

Crime Rankings

The crime ranking by city for Papua New Guinea is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Port Moresby

Papua New Guinea

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

While Lae boasts certain strengths in terms of air quality, pollution remains a mixed issue with moderate levels of particulate matter reported.

Though air quality is perceived as moderate, residents continue to worry about its health implications, pointing to the need for sustained environmental efforts.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - Currently, PM2.5 levels in Lae are not reported as a significant issue, suggesting that air quality remains within acceptable parameters for respirable fine particles.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - The PM10 particulate levels are similarly contained, reflecting a controlled air quality situation though ongoing vigilance is required.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Garbage disposal is a critical area of concern for residents in Lae, where dissatisfaction is notably high.

Noise and light pollution persist as issues, largely driven by urban activities, yet these do not overshadow the more pressing waste management concerns.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Waste management in Lae is perceived negatively by the public, with complaints about inadequate services and negative impacts on cleanliness and hygiene.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Noise pollution is a notable concern in Lae, with urban activity leading to frequent disturbances which affect the daily life quality.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Green and park areas in Lae are seen as moderately beneficial, but there is room for enhancement to improve livability.

Drinking water quality raises some red flags, necessitating attention to ensure safe and accessible water quality standards.

• Green and Parks Quality - Parks and green spaces are appreciated for their contribution to the urban environment, yet further development could amplify their effects.
• Drinking Water Quality - The quality of drinking water in Lae is an area where improvement is needed, as satisfaction levels are currently suboptimal among residents.