More than 20 people have been arrested and over 100 litres of alcohol has been destroyed as part of Operation Stinger in Katherine.
The Operation, running from the 5th of January through to the 15th of February, aims to reduce alcohol related violent crime, property crime, anti-social behaviour and road crashes.
“Statistics from previous years has shown a spike in crime in Katherine as people come into the township during the wet season and school holidays.” Said Superintendent Brent Warren.
“Police have identified this period as a time when alcohol related offences increase.”
“Operation Stinger has been designed to target these offences and keep the community of Katherine as free from crime as possible.”
“About a quarter of the way through the Operation 21 people have been arrested, 16 domestic violence orders have been served and 106 litres of alcohol has been tipped out.”
Of particular concern was the seizure of 30 litres of alcohol from people attempting to smuggle the contraband onto a prescribed community (dry area) within Katherine, which was seized and destroyed.
“Unfortunately alcohol is a significant factor in most violent offending within Katherine. Police will use every available avenue to curb abuse of it and prevent more people becoming victims of alcohol fuelled violence.”
“Police still have a lot of work to do, but so far the results have been encouraging.” Said Supt Warren.
