This week will mark the second week of Operation Thresher – the special Police operation targeting anti-social behaviour and property crime in Alice Springs over the school holidays.

Senior Sergeant Peter Dash said  the Operation involves 32 police officers dedicated to high profile and covert patrols of known hot spots in the town.

“The Operation involves members from the Property Crime Reduction Unit, General Duties, Intelligence Unit, Dog Operations Unit, Mounted Unit and forensics crews,” Sen Sgt Dash said.

“We are also liaising with other Government and non-Government agencies that engage with youth to ensure young people are monitored and provided with support services if required.

“This Operation has been designed to ensure the Alice Springs community do not have to go through the increase in anti-social behaviour and property crime which we saw last summer,” Sen Sgt Dash said.

The Operation will continue until all schools have returned following the October break at the end of next week.

Phase 2 of the Operation will re-commence prior to the Christmas school holiday period and continue until school re-commences in 2012,” Sen Sgt Dash said.

“We are confident that with this integrated approach involving police and other  agencies we will be able to mitigate the problem of youth roaming the streets at all hours of the day and night getting into trouble. It is especially important during the school holiday period for us to engage with youth and ensure they are well-occupied through the various youth programs offered in the community.

“We feel sure that this pro-active approach will not only reduce offending but will affect a significant change in culture for many young people and re-establish community confidence.”

Media Contact
Theresa Kuilboer
8951 8825