Northern Territory Police have announced that a new Strike Force – ‘Winx’ – has begun operating in Alice Springs, which aims to enhance public safety through a coordinated response to youth crime.

Detective Superintendent Michael White said Strike Force Winx – which is a continuation of the school holiday program – will operate in line with the key components of the Territory-wide Task Force Sonoma, with a focus on crime prevention, response, investigation and intelligence. 

“This will involve the allocation of resources from both Alice Springs General Duties Police and Detectives from Southern Investigations, to deliver a coordinated approach to reducing youth being involved in criminal behaviour in Alice Springs,” he said.

“Strike Force Winx will see the addition of proactive night assessment teams which will conduct a range of tasks including engagement activities; surveillance; bail and other order conditions checks; and the increased patrolling of known hotspots and repeat victim premises.”

Strike Force Winx will operate as part of Task Force Sonoma, which provides a Territory-wide, strategic response to youth offending, overseen by a Joint Management Committee (JMC) chaired by the Deputy Commissioner Operations.

Detective Superintendent White said the public also have a part to play in reducing crime rates.

“A lot of property crime is opportunistic – help us help you by making sure your property and belongings are secure.”

Task Force Sonoma provides strategic oversight to ensure the appropriate flexibility of police actions across the Northern Territory, and will take a holistic approach to youth offenders and those at risk.

In particular, Task Force Sonoma aims to identify avenues for collaboration and change, through initiatives such as a review of Youth Diversion and the strengthening of the Family Conferencing regime.