Alice Springs crime: Police arrest 28y.o. man after alleged armed heist at IGA Northside

An Alice Springs man has been arrested 40-minutes after allegedly pulling a knife in a suburban supermarket. Find out more.

Alice Springs police have arrested a 28-year-old man after an alleged armed robbery at Braitling. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Welcome to the NT News’ weekly Alice Springs and Central rolling police, crime, traffic, fire and breaking news blog. Keep up with the latest across news from Alice Springs right up to the Barkly.

December 28, 9am: Alice Springs police have arrested a man less than an hour after he had used a knife to rob a suburban shopping centre.

In a statement, NT Police said a man entered Northside IGA at Braitling about 1.55pm Friday and asked for cigarettes, before producing a knife and demanding cigarettes and cash.

IGA Northside at Braitling, Alice Springs. Picture: Supplied

CCTV footage allowed police to identify the man and trace his movements after leaving the IGA, and he was arrested 40 minutes later in nearby Sadadeen.

The 28-year-old is expected to be remanded in custody before facing a Local Court judge on Saturday.

The 44-year-old male attendant and customers in the store were unhurt.

Meanwhile, Operation Ludlow continues to operate within Alice Springs, with a bolstered police presence on the streets in response to serious crime incidents in the town this month.

Shortest escape in history?: NT prisoners’ bid for freedom lasts minutes

December 24, 12pm: Two men are awaiting charges after they were caught “minutes” after an alleged escape attempt in the Red Centre, police say.

Police said the two male prisoners were being escorted back to the watch house by officers when they “broke free” on Monday afternoon in Alice Springs.

“Police immediately deployed and arrested the men within four minutes at a location on Railway Tce,” an NT Police spokesperson said.

Police said charges were expected to be laid on Tuesday.

A Corrections spokesperson said there were 55 prisoners in the watch-house when the escape occurred.

“Police apprehended both prisoners shortly after 200 metres from where they escaped,” the spokesperson said.

“The Department of Corrections is undertaking an internal investigation.”

Woman left with ‘significant’ leg injuries after alleged DV assault

December 23, 2pm: A 31-year-old woman is in hospital and a 36-year-old man is in custody, accused by police of beating the woman with a “blunt weapon” in the Red Centre.

Police say they’re investigating the alleged assault, which took place early Monday morning in a community in Harts Range.

The man was arrested by police after he fled into bushland.

The woman suffered “significant injuries to her legs”, police said.

She was sent to Alice Springs hospital for treatment.

Police are urging anyone with information to get in touch on 131 444 and quote reference P24357246.

Anonymous reports can also be made to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online. 

Help is available for those affected by family or domestic violence, such as but not limited too Lifeline (13 11 44) or 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Alice Springs ‘pignapping’ reveals alarming trend: Police

December 23, 9am: An alarming “trend” is emerging around Alice Springs where pets are being “let out” from yards.

Senior sergeant Mick Fields told the ABC on Monday two piglets had been stolen from a rural block in Ross, south of Alice Springs between 3.30am and 5.30am on Sunday morning.

Mr Fields said the two piglets were “removed” from an enclosed veranda on the property, but were later found and are now “all safe and well”.

Mr Fields said the recent pignapping was part of a “trend” targeting pets.

“It’s becoming a little bit of a trend that [pets] are being let out from yards,” Sergeant Fields said.

“Whether it’s an intention to steal them or just get up to mischief.”

Sergeant Fields urged residents to lock gates to keep their pets safe.

Originally published as Alice Springs crime: Police arrest 28y.o. man after alleged armed heist at IGA Northside