Palmerston Police are continuing their targeted operations in Palmerston with more special operations in the area over coming days and weeks without notice or warning for potential offenders as a result of community and Police concerns about youth activity in Palmerston.

Police are investigating a number of recent assaults but not all were youth related. Most recently, Police quickly arrested a 25-year-old male in relation to an assault on a 74-year-old male at the Palmerston Bus Exchange on the weekend.

In a separate incident, the offender who allegedly assaulted a 72-year-old man as reported in the media today remains unknown to Police. This incident occurred 14 months ago in March 2008. Anyone who may have information about this crime should contact Police.

Last week, an alleged assault was reported by media on a 35-year-old male at Palmerston Skate Park. This is reported to have occurred between 9pm and 11pm on the 3rd May. The victim had been at the Palmerston Tavern since about 10am that morning and whilst affected by alcohol went to the Skate Park after leaving the licensed premise. It is alleged that he was then assaulted by a group of youths.

Anyone who may have seen persons acting suspiciously on 3 May who were around the Palmerston Tavern, or the Skate Park later in the evening are urged to contact Police on 131 444. A number of leads are being followed up in relation to this case. However, Police are reminding people to be mindful of their surroundings, circumstances and not place themselves at risk.

The Commander of the Darwin Region, Rob Kendrick, states there is an obvious concern with these crimes and police have implemented a number of strategies to address this.

An additional response patrol is already being rostered on a regular basis and will become permanent over coming weeks.

In addition to local patrols the Commanders Tactical Team and the Youth Crime Unit continue to work across Palmerston, targeting particular areas and known youths through intelligence driven policing.

On a daily basis, Police liaise and work with Transit Security Officers, the First Response Patrol and shopping centre security to tackle anti-social behaviour and youth issues after school.

A specific late afternoon operation was conducted last week by the Youth Crime unit, primarily as an Intelligence gathering exercise to be followed by special targeting operations over coming days and weeks without prior notice or warning for potential offenders.

Commander Kendrick reminds residents that while Police are committed to this proactive, zero tolerance approach, the Community should be mindful of personal safety,

"Basic personal safety should be applied whether you're in Palmerston, Darwin or travelling interstate. Be cautious at night and mindful of the area you are in, make arrangements to get home safely, drink alcohol responsibly, don't wave large amounts of cash around in public and report any suspicious activity or large groups of youths to the Police." He said.

Palmerston Police continue to convene the multi agency coordination of youth issues in the area, addressing broader social issues and the breakdown of societal norms in addition to enforcement of law and order.

"Some of these youths are not from normal homes and police are left to deal with the consequences of their upbringing and actions. Violence as a means to an end is normal for some of these youths - it's what they have witnessed and been the victim of all their lives. I'm certainly not making excuses for them, but their behaviour is unlikely to change unless the broader, long terms problems are addressed.

"This is far broader than the work of Police alone and requires a multi agency coordination and solution which is underway". Commander Kendrick said.

Police will continue to be proactive in policing operations in both Palmerston and the surrounding areas.


Media contact:
Katie Fowden
8901 0281