At approximately 4:00 am this morning, City Safe members closed down Mitchell Street in Darwin City.

Members shut the street off for approximately 20 minutes between the Darwin Cinema and the Entertainment Centre as patrons from licensed premises exited the establishments.

Territory Duty Superintendent Mike Murphy said that this was done to ensure public safety in the area, particularly that of the road users and pedestrians.

"NT Police take public safety very seriously and in the lead up to Operation Unite, this was a perfect way to demonstrate that.

"Numerous police were in the area as up to approximately 300 patrons left pubs and clubs.

"A majority of these people cooperated with police directions to make arrangements to go home, and only a handful were apprehended for protective custody or arrested for street offences.

"These proactive measures reduce anti social behaviour and in turn the opportunity for any violent crime to occur.

"In the lead up to the Christmas period, and with Operation Unite around the corner, I urge all party-goers to drink and conduct themselves responsibly to avoid any behaviour they may later regret", he said.


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