Operation Roble has been running since mid-December 2017, to provide Northern Territory Police with a strategic, co-ordinated approach to managing crime in the Darwin, Palmerston and Rural Areas during the Christmas school holiday period.
Commander of Darwin Metropolitan Command, James O’Brien SC, said Operation Roble is intelligence-led and focusses on community engagement and proactive crime prevention activities.
“Operation Roble has seen police conducing a range of engagement activities, such as participating in community events and distributing crime prevention information,” Commander O’Brien said.
“In addition, police have been proactively targeting known crime hot spots and areas of congregation through foot and mobile patrols.”
Since late December 2017, Operation Roble – in conjunction with the team from Strike Force Trident – has also focussed on the theft of motor vehicles and related crime, with a significant number of officers patrolling the roads 24 hours a day to ensure the safety of all Territorians and their property.
“The assistance we have received from the public has been invaluable and very much appreciated. Since 26 December 2017, 19 vehicles have been stolen in the Darwin area – of which 18 have been recovered – with 16 individuals having been charged and brought before the courts,” Commander O’Brien said.
“Unfortunately, 19 of the stolen vehicles were as a result of an unlawful entry to a residence or business where the keys were taken prior to the vehicle being stolen, and eight of the vehicles were stolen after offenders entered through unlocked doors.
“Many property crimes are opportunistic and home owners are reminded to ensure they take steps to deter this type of opportunistic criminal behaviour by locking doors (even when at home); putting keys, wallets and other valuables in a safe place out of sight.”
“NT Police also encourage the community to access the Neighbourhood Watch NT website, which provides a range of practical home security and safety tips, to help reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
“NT Police urge people to get in touch with us and let us know what is going on, as the community is often our best source of information.”
If something doesn’t look right, if you see suspicious activity, or if you see a crime being committed – contact police immediately on 131 444, or call 000 in the event of an emergency. You can also make anonymous reports via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
