The Nightcliff based Alcohol Policing Social Order Unit is wrapping up a six-month collaborative operation which was conducted from April to September.
Operation Treviot saw NT Police lead a multi-agency approach incorporating Darwin City Council rangers, Larrakia Nation, Parks and Wildlife and various other stakeholders. The aim was to target illegal camping and to assist people displaced from community to return to country or link them with support services from other organisations to ensure their safety whilst in Darwin.
The operation had an early morning emphasis which focused on known hotspots for rough sleepers across the Darwin and Casuarina regions.
Police designated 66 days to Operation Treviot. Darwin City Council and Larrakia Nation designated 44 and 33 days with Parks and Wildlife also involved.
Police recorded the following statistics:
- Campers moved on – 1836
- Liquor Infringements issued – 6
- DCC infringements issued – 59
- Protective custody – 3
- Larrakia Nation interventions – 129
Acting Commander Gavin Kennedy said Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and liquor offences are an ongoing concern within the Darwin Command.
“A large proportion of persons involved in ASB are known to be transient visitors from outlying towns and communities.”
“Evidence indicates that there are a number of factors enticing these visitors to Darwin including, but not limited to, access to alcohol, visiting relatives, Darwin events, access to medical facilities, and tighter alcohol restrictions in areas outside the Greater Darwin region.”
“Typically these visitors will sleep rough whilst visiting which can be unsafe. Evidence also indicates many of these visits frequently tend to become long-term and, in a number of cases, become permanent.”
“Our focus has been to reduce the level of alcohol related harm in the community; disrupt the behaviours and opportunities that foster it; and put people in touch with services that will assist in preventing harm and returning people to country where appropriate.”
“Police, Darwin City Council and Larrakia Nation will now consider the results with a view to commencing a new operation in October”.
