Media release

Call for information - Stealing and indecent assault - Alice Springs

Police

Northern Territory Police have released an image of a woman they wish to speak to in regards to a series of incidents including stealing and assaults that occurred in Alice Springs overnight.

The image taken from CCTV footage identifies a woman who was targeted by an unknown youth who attempted to snatch the woman’s handbag while she walked with a bike along Gap Road around 9.30pm.

The youth along with a number of other unknown youths were observed walking off from the attempted bag snatch and approaching two female tourists in a camper van parked in a car park along Gap Road and Stuart Terrace.

The group of up to 20 youths surround the vehicle before they allegedly indecently assaulted both women, aged 19 and 24-years-old and stole a bum bag.

CCTV operators alerted police to the incident and crews arrived on scene within minutes causing the group to scatter and the bum bag to be dropped nearby.

Detective Senior Sergeant Carmen Butcher is urging anyone who was in the area at the time of these incidents to contact them.

“The initial stealing incident occurred not far from a set of traffic lights, so we’re sure there would have been motorists who saw the incident and may be able to assist with identifying those involved.”

“CCTV footage shows two women getting in a car parked next to where the incident occurred, we would appreciate them contacting us as they may have details which could assist with identifying the youths involved which would in turn help with investigations into the indecent assault and stealing.

Police urge anyone who has dash cam and were driving in the area between 9 and 9:40pm to contact police on 131 444 or report it anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and reference PROMIS 9459315.