The Todd Mall in Alice Springs will have its own police patrol to address anti-social behaviour and crime issues.

Commander Bert Hofer said the unit 's core priority would be to patrol the Todd Mall following an increase in criminal damage and anti-social behaviour issues. Commander Hofer said the situation had been exacerbated recently by an increase in population following the football.

Commander Hofer said intelligence-led policing continually enabled the reallocation of resources depending on the shifting needs.

"Ten Alice Springs Police members will be allocated to the Todd Mall and surrounding business precinct to address anti-social behaviour and criminal damage issues. " Commander Hofer said.

"There is no doubt the increase in population following the football last weekend has exacerbated the problem .

"While Police recognise there are a number of broader social issues at the heart of this problem, this repeated disregard for other people's property cannot and will not be tolerated."

Commander Hofer said that despite the excellent results recorded by the Property Crime Reduction Unit (PCRU) in the past few months in apprehending property offenders, anti-social behaviour was still continuing in the Mall so resources had been re-allocated to allow for a dedicated patrol.

"Since November 2008, the PCRU have made 107 arrests involving 295 charges. During the same period the Crime Prevention Unit has conducted 14 CPTED audits making numerous recommendations to improve security on premises."

Commander Hofer said a Police shop front would be established in addition to existing patrols later in the year. In the meantime, Commander Hofer will be meeting with the Mall business owners to discuss other interim strategies regarding proactive crime prevention initiatives in the area.



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