Police in Alice Springs have issued an advisory to members of the public to be aware of personal safety issues when walking home late at night.

The warning has come following five robberies in the past several weeks. In each of the robberies the victims were assaulted by a group of offenders and had mobile phones, wallets or jewellery stolen.

Acting Superintendent Lauren Hill said in most cases the victims would not have been targeted late at night if they had been in the company of friends or had taken a taxi or arranged a lift home.

"In two of the these cases the victims had been out drinking and decided to do the right thing and not drive home, however, this also made them extremely vulnerable targets," A/Supt Hill said.

" It would have been much safer if they had walked home with friends or taken a taxi."

"While these incidents have some similarities, there is no evidence they are connected. It appears the victims are simply being targeted because they are walking alone at night and are often intoxicated and the offenders are being opportunistic.

"That's why we're advising people to use common sense and not place themselves in these vulnerable positions."

Police are urging anyone with information about these incidents to call 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Media Contact:
Theresa Kuilboer
8951 8825