Police in Alice Springs are set to target groups of juveniles who appear to be preying on vulnerable victims walking around town at night.

In the most recent incident a 40-year-old woman was walking along Wills Terrace Causeway towards Undoolya Road just before 10pm last night when she was assaulted by a group of youths. The woman told police she was punched in the face and the offenders stole her handbag before fleeing the area.

The woman is the second victim to be targeted in the Wills Causeway area in less than a week.

Last Saturday a 20-year-old German woman and her 19-year-old female companion were walking near the causeway around 11pm when they were approached by a male who asked them for a cigarette.

When they told him they did not have any the male punched the 20-year-old to the head, however the woman - who has a black belt in karate - fought back punching and kicking the offender several times.

The male then turned and fled and the two women were assisted by a passing motorist.

And on Friday two German men were returning to their backpacker accommodation in Lyndavale Drive when they were also approached by a group of youths demanding cigarettes, then assaulted. Police investigations have led to the arrest of a 17-year-old male who has been charged in relation to this incident and a 16-year-old youth will be considered for Youth Diversion. More arrests are expected.

Superintendent Sean Parnell said while there was nothing to indicate the incidents were linked, police were taking extra measures to target groups of youth wandering around at night.

"These attacks were, in all likelihood, opportunistic in nature, with the offenders targeting those who look like vulnerable victims, but that is why we are increasing our patrols and trying to educate those visitors to think about the advisability of walking around town alone at night.

"What we're encouraging people to do is use their common-sense. Alice Springs is no different to many other towns or cities in Australia where you will always find offenders who are opportunistic in nature and prey upon the vulnerable.

"That's also why police have embarked on a campaign to put education brochures into all the accommodation places in town. We are hoping the tourism industry will see this as a pro-active move to safeguard the welfare of visitors."

Meanwhile, police are calling for witnesses to last night's assault to come forward.

Police are calling for anyone who may have witnessed any of the assaults to come forward. Anyone with information should phone police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at http://www.nt.crimestoppers.com.au/.


Media contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
8951 8825