As Alice Springs transitions from the cooler months into summer, Police are well prepared for the expected increase in visitor numbers to Alice Springs.
Commander of the Southern Command, Kate Vanderlaan, said that the number of people travelling to Alice Springs and its immediate surrounds increases during the summer months with many visitors enjoying the amenities on offer, particularly during the warmer evenings when more people are out and about in public spaces.
“It is a great time of the year to be in Alice Springs and we want people to be out enjoying themselves and supporting local businesses, for them to be safe and feel secure while doing so and for visitors to depart with a positive impression of our town.
“Historically, the summer season has seen increased rates of general and alcohol related crime and NT Police are keen to make sure this summer is better in this regard.
“Police are launching an overarching operation (known as Operation Mariner) that will target alcohol related anti-social behaviour, property related crimes, domestic violence, youth offending and traffic offences across the Southern Command, particularly Alice Springs.
Commander Vanderlaan said that Operation Mariner commenced on 30 October and will be in force until 31 March next year.
“The reduction in crime already achieved through 2014 compared with last year has been positive. This couldn’t have been achieved without our important partnerships with government, community based organisations and the residents of Alice Springs.
“Police cannot achieve these excellent results in crime reduction without the support received from the Alice Springs community. We urge members of the public to continue to behave more responsibly and also report early to Police any incidents of concern.
“Every piece of information we receive helps us to identify emerging patterns of offending, which in turn assists us to identify hot spots in the community and deploy resources appropriately.
“Police will maintain a highly visible presence in the community. You will see us out in force at Temporary Beat Locations (TBLs), in police cars, on horseback, on motorbikes, pushbikes and on foot.
Alice Springs Police will be making good use of new technology at their fingertips this summer, with all Officers being issued iPads for use on the front line.
“This technology allows real-time access to information in the field which will assist in identifying people with outstanding warrants, alcohol protection orders and bail conditions.
“We continue to encourage members of the public to report any concerning or suspicious behaviour.
“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,” Commander Vanderlaan said.
Anyone wishing to make a report to Police should phone the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
