Forty-six people have been arrested during the first week of a special summer operation in Alice Springs.
Superintendent Cathie Bennett said the summer long operation was developed to target anti-social behaviour and property crime, particularly during the school holiday period.
“Historically, the warmer months of November through to January reveal statistical increases in crime and alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour,” Superintendent Bennett said.
“It is during these periods that not only is the amenity of Alice Springs affected, but also public safety and security with an increase in crimes of violence and property crimes.
“Through dedicated Policing operations and a coordinated whole of government response, everything that can be done, will be done, to ensure we continue to see a reduction in crime.
“These actions are particularly targeting anti-social behaviour which, here in Alice Springs, is almost always associated with the abuse of alcohol. The first week of the operation has seen 272 litres of alcohol tipped out.
“More than 400 people have been spoken to by Police during the first week of the special operation and 137 people were taken into protective custody. Police resources will be used for high visibility Police patrols with an increased emphasis on public interaction with a focus on community engagement and reassurance.
“In addition to enforcement activities in respect of alcohol related anti-social behaviour, the summer operation will necessarily include special taskforce arrangements to target property crime, crimes of violence and traffic offences.
“Forty-six people have been arrested during the first week of the operation in relation to over 80 various offences such as aggravated assault, unlawful entry and stealing.
“The reduction in crime compared to the previous year has been positive. This couldn’t have been achieved without an important partnership between government, community based organisations and of course the residents of Alice Springs. It just proves what can be done by building strong relationships and we hope this will continue well into the future.
“I continue to encourage members of the public to report any concerning or suspicious behaviour to Police, you are our eyes and ears on the ground and your reports are of great value to Police.
“If we get detailed descriptions of people acting suspiciously then we can identify them and often disrupt them before any offending takes place. Alice Springs Police will continue to work very hard to keep the people of Alice Springs safe.”
Anyone wishing to make a report to Police should phone 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The summer operation involves members from General Duties, Public Order Unit, Intelligence Unit, Investigations Section, Traffic Operations Unit, Dog Operations Unit and Mounted Unit.
Media Contact
Sarah Baldwin (Trinne)
8985 8835
