Port Moresby is well-known for its crime. Carjackings, muggings, and worse are common. There is a great deal of concern about the level of crime and civil disorder and about the ability and willingness of the police to cope.
It is always wise to seek the advice of a person familiar with Port Moresby before venturing into unknown areas. In most cities in PNG, it isn't safe to walk the streets by yourself, even in the daytime, if you are a woman. PNG is infamous for the high incidence of rape. It is hard to fathom how a culture can be like this, but a shockingly large proportion of PNG men think it is OK to rape women.