Northern Territory Police are urging Territorians to fight crime the right way, and work in partnership with Police to stamp out criminality and anti-social behaviour.
Commander Brent Warren from Darwin Metropolitan Command said while Police recognise the efforts of community-minded residents in Palmerston to help fight crime, all Territorians should ensure that their actions remain within the law.
“Street patrols by residents are not the answer. The best way for the community to help fight crime is to report it directly to Police or through Crime Stoppers,” he said.
“Police are very concerned by the idea of residents conducting night patrols. Any behaviour of this type risks putting otherwise law-abiding members of the community in the wrong, and causes Police significant problems.”
Police have also reminded residents that crime prevention through appropriate home security measures is more beneficial than community street patrols.
Another approach to helping ensure your local community remains safe is to either set up or join your local Neighbourhood Watch group.
Commander Warren said when crime and suspicious activity is reported to Police, Police will investigate.
Offences reported to Police are recorded and publicly reported. Unlawful entries (on a financial year to date comparison) are 20.77% lower for Palmerston and 24.52% lower in Casuarina and Darwin.
“Police are currently focused on combatting crime in Palmerston, and positively welcome any assistance or information residents can provide,” Commander Warren said.
“Strikeforce Trident is a specialist Police unit operating in Darwin and Palmerston that was established purposely to deal with property crime.
“Since 1 July 2015, Strikeforce Trident have made 631 arrests and summoned 46 people to Court for property crime.”
Neighbourhood Watch provides crime prevention advice at www.nhwnt.org.au. Residents looking to establish a Neighbourhood Watch in their community can contact Neighbourhood Watch on 08 8999 0847.
Individuals and groups can assist Police by reporting any information concerning crime or anti-social behaviour on 131 444.
Police recognise that often, members of the public will not want to identify themselves. Reports can also be made confidentially and anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
