Northern Territory Police are surging 40 additional officers into Alice Springs this evening to support local police address the crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.

Overnight police responded to reports of two stolen motor vehicles driving dangerously around the Alice Springs CBD.

A cordon was established with tyre deflation devices with the Dog Operation Unit, Drone Unit, Strike Force Viper and general duties deployed.

One of the stolen vehicles has attempted to ram a police vehicle, which was forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision. This is the third incident of this type involving stolen vehicles in Alice Springs in the past fortnight.

Commissioner Jamie Chalker APM said “the conduct of these offenders is reprehensible. It places the lives of residents and my officers at risk. That is completely unacceptable.

“We are bringing 40 officers from across the Territory into Alice Springs arriving tonight. This behaviour will be stamped out.

“Police will always roll out 24/7 to serve and protect the community. Our Community Resilience and Engagement Command and the Aboriginal Liaison Officers have been working tirelessly in their community to build relationships and try to prevent some of the behaviour that has been afflicting Alice Springs.

“Our partner agencies are working on addressing the causes of why this conduct continues. We look forward to their input and resources being assigned appropriately.”

Strike Force Viper are currently working to identify all those involved in last night’s incident and at this stage no arrests have been made.

Anyone who witnessed the vehicles last night, or knows the identity of the occupants, is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference 10182006. You can also anonymously contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”