Acting Commander Craig Laidler has responsibility for providing leadership to Darwin Command, which includes the Darwin, Casuarina, Palmerston (including Adelaide River and Batchelor Police Station) and Alcohol Policing Divisions. The Darwin statistics encompass Darwin and Casuarina. The Palmerston statistics include Palmerston and the surrounds.Overall for the 12 month period ending September 2019 compared with the same period ending September 2018, the total reported offences in Darwin were down by 5.0% compared to the same period last year. This includes a reduction in the total property offences of 2.9% being driven by a 19.9% reduction in commercial unlawful entries however, motor vehicle stealing and related offences was up by 11.7% and residential unlawful entries had a slight rise of 3.8%. There was a 10.1% decrease in the total number of offences against a person, with alcohol related assaults down 13.1%.In Palmerston for the corresponding 12 month period ending September 2019, assault offences in Palmerston were down by 3.4% with alcohol related assaults down by 12.8% in comparison to the previous 12 months. The total number of property offences were down in Palmerston by 24.7% with motor vehicle related theft and related offences down by 29.6% and commercial unlawful entries down 48.7%. For the same period in Palmerston, residential unlawful entries decreased by 24.7%. With a focus by police on alcohol related harm, we continue to see a decline in Darwin and Palmerston for alcohol related assaults.The increasing heat and humidity is a reminder that the wet season is almost upon us. It provides a timely reminder for households to ensure that your emergency kit is prepared and you have a plan in place in case of cyclones, storms or flooding. With monsoonal conditions, motorists can expect a more difficult time on the road. Remember to slow down, turn on your lights and drive to conditions. The Secure NT website is a trusted source of information on weather and road related emergencies, events and closures.Police will also be conducting a number of traffic enforcement campaigns throughout the coming months as we approach the end of the year. It continues to be disappointing that there are a number of people still being arrested for drink and drug driving and being detected driving over the posted speed limits. We want to make sure that everyone on our roads reaches their destination safely. Please take care on the roads to ensure the safety of family and friends.Northern Territory Police run a number of operations throughout the year targeting illegal behaviour and this time of the year is no different. As part of an evidence-based and intelligence-informed approach, our officers rely on information from the public to help target antisocial or suspicious behaviour. If you see something concerning, you can report it on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous. Police officers continue to reinforce home and vehicle security measures that can be undertaken by the community to help prevent crime. If you are going away for an extended period, tell a trusted neighbour. You can also fill in an absentee owner advice form. Ensure vehicles are locked, valuables aren’t left unattended and houses are secured (even when you’re home) with your car keys kept out of sight. Find out more about and become involved with Neighbourhood Watch by visiting their web page. It contains some excellent tips on crime prevention and enhancing your home security profile. Basic security enhancements are known effective crime prevention strategies.
