Six people have been arrested and charged overnight in relation to property crime offences across Alice Springs.
Officers from the Strike Force Winx Property Crime team and general duty members targeted known property offenders in an attempt to prevent further opportunistic crimes.
Acting Superintendent Pauline Vicary said on the first night of Operation Dawson police arrested and charged six people aged between 14 and 20-years-old.
“Operation Dawson has been implemented for property offences and anti-social behaviour in Alice Springs with a focus on youth offenders.
“The Operation will run until 30 July to encompass the school holidays. Frontline, Community and Youth Engagement and Strike Force Winx Police Officers will be involved in the operation and we will be working closely with NT Education Truancy Officers, Territory Families YORET’s, NT Housing and relevant Youth Service Providers to ensure that we are engaging with youth offenders and their families to develop strategies to prevent these negative behaviours”.
Acting Superintendent Pauline Vicary said there had been an increase in the number of property crime reports including incidents involving stolen motor vehicles.
“It is a timely reminder to everyone to take the simple steps of making sure they’ve locked their vehicle, not left the keys inside the vehicle and ensured their business or home is locked.
“It’s the first step in preventing opportunistic offenders.”
“We’ve seen a number of incidents in which offenders have gained entry or simply walked into an unlocked home or business and stolen the car keys and subsequently the car.
“These offences are committed by persons looking for easy access to items.
“Residents are advised it is best to lock your doors, even when you are inside the house, and don’t leave wallets, cash, keys or phones on benches and tables, instead put them out of eyesight.”
“We don’t want people to feel afraid, but we do want them to still be aware of what is easily available should their home or business be broken in to or unlawfully entered, said A/Supt Vicary again.
