The Northern Territory Police Force is launching Palmerston-based Operation Ventura on Monday 18 May, to combat elevated crime and anti-social activity in the area.

Recent crime statistic trends have highlighted a concerning rise in numbers of assaults and total property offences across Palmerston.

Operation Ventura will act as a circuit breaker to reduce crime in Palmerston with high visible policing, strong enforcement, and co-ordinated support for the community.

Police will take immediate enforcement action on detected offending, with a focus on non-compliance with Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs), court orders, and bail conditions.

High-visibility patrols will be deployed in hotspot areas at peak times and wanding operations and traffic enforcement will support broader public safety outcomes.

Our partner agencies will aim to support vulnerable and displaced individuals by providing welfare checks, referrals and connection to support services in order to reduce harm and prevent escalation where possible.

Operation Ventura will include:

• NT Police, (including the new Police Public Safety Officers scheduled to graduate from training on 26 June 2026.)

• Public Order Response Unit

• Larrakia Nation

• Department of Logistics and Infrastructure (Transit Safety Officers)

• Department of Housing, Local Government and Community Development (Public Housing Safety Officers)

• Department of Children and Families

• City of Palmerston

• Neptune Security

• Licensing NT

• Department of Education and Training (School Engagement Officers)

• Department of Health

Acting Commissioner Travis Wurst said “Our message is clear. Police are present, active and responding to community concerns.

“The Northern Territory Police Force wants the community to feel safe in knowing that there will be an increased police presence across Palmerston, particularly the known hotspots where anti-social behaviour and criminal offending is occurring.

“Operation Ventura is about engaging with the Palmerston community and we encourage people to come say hello when you see us out and about.”