Cop station, cars, businesses rammed in Tennant Creek: Chief calls urgent crime meeting
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has called an urgent regional meeting after Tennant Creek residents have again had to endure a wild night of lawlessness which left several properties smashed and in tatters - including the local MP’s office.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has called an urgent regional meeting after Tennant Creek residents have again had to endure a wild night of lawlessness which left several properties smashed and in tatters - including the local MP’s office.
The local cop station, cars, businesses were rammed over a number of hours after three cars were stolen from a business.
Tennant Creek Mayor Sid Vashist has called “enough is enough” and demanded the Chief Minister take stronger action over the Tennant Creek mayhem.
The office of Member for Barkly Steve Edgington, who is the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for Housing and Local Government, was targeted during the spree.
Mr Edgington said people impacted were angry and frustrated.
Chief Minister Finocchiaro said people who commit crimes will be held accountable.
“People in Tennant Creek deserve to feel safe and what has happened this weekend is totally unacceptable,” the Chief Minister said.
“Police have surged additional resources and patrols on top of the summer operation that is already underway.
“Tomorrow there will be a regional meeting to ensure co-ordination of government services as a priority.”
HOW IT UNFOLDED
The latest wild mayhem, which has resulted in the arrest of two 16 year-olds and the recovery of two cars, all unfolded not long after midnight on Saturday, when police were informed the gates of a Maloney Street business had been rammed followed by a number of vehicles allegedly being stolen.
It was identified that a silver Toyota HiLux, a white Volkswagen Amarok and a blue Proton Jumbuck were missing from the property.
A short time later, all three vehicles were seen roaring dangerously through the town.
Police made an unsuccessful attempt to apprehend the HiLux and resorted to deploying their tyre deflation devices, however the rogue 4WD managed to dodge the device.
The HiLux was then allegedly used in a series of serious offences.
Police allege that the HiLux rammed the front gate of the Tennant Creek police station at 2.39am before returning 10 minutes later and knocking it over.
At 3.07am, the HiLux allegedly rammed the rear of a police vehicle returning to the station.
No one was injured.
Police allege minutes later, the HiLux allegedly ramraided the Tennant Creek Hotel, smashing in its doors, before its occupants stole a quantity of alcohol.
Before the sun rose, police managed to recover the Amarok.
Both HiLux and Jumbuck remain outstanding.
It was later discovered the trail of destruction was longer than initially thought.
Police say the HiLux lined up and rammed both a shopping complex and a civilian vehicle on Patterson Street.
Authorities are appealing for anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage that might assist to come forward.
By Saturday afternoon, the extent of the damage was being circulated online.
It remains unknown what the damage costs are.
Member for Barkly Steve Edgington, whose office was targeted during the spree kept his thoughts on the matter short.
“Those affected by the crime and damage are understandably angry and frustrated and will await the police investigation.”
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Tennant Creek Mayor Sid Vashist has called “enough is enough” and demanded the Chief Minister take stronger action over the Tennant Creek mayhem.
“Even the local member has now become a victim of crime,” a post on Mayor Vashist’s Facebook reads.
“We have been telling you how things have been serious and urgent for Tennant Creek and the Barkly for sometime now - will you listen to us?
“Our council for the last 12 months, have been trying to engage with you on community safety but have not been able to do so. Why?
“Do we matter in the Barkly?
“As a matter of fact, after not hearing back from you, Cr Pennie Cowin and I personally hand-delivered Council’s whole-of-community safety meeting feedback and proposed solutions to you during your visit to Tennant Creek few months ago.
“We are still waiting for a response.
“Our region deserves genuine commitment. Whole-of-community solutions can only work if the NT Government shows leadership, partners with our community, and truly cares about the wellbeing of our people.
“Tennant Creek and the Barkly are ready to work together — but we need you at the table.”
TOWN BESIEGED WITH CRIME
Tennant Creek has been besieged with crime and violence over a number of months.
The NT News recently reported on a weekend of early morning violence that saw large groups fighting with weapons before three vehicles were set alight.
Just the week before, Tennant Creek hit the headlines after a footy brawl dissolved into violence.
A large group, once again some allegedly armed with weapons, were fighting at a football oval on the corner of Ambrose St and Stuart St on Sunday, September 14.
Two women ended up being taken to hospital with head injuries.
Some people like Goldfields Hotel manager, Jason Groves, called for the town to go under a curfew to help authorities manage the unrest which he alleged was due to “feral” young people.
In August, NT Police reported multiple incidents in Tennant Creek involving violence.
On August 13, three men were charged in relation to two aggravated burglaries and the next day, a group of girls allegedly assaulted a 67-year-old man at his home on Ambrose Street.
After an 81-year-old grandmother’s home was broken into by teens wearing masks who then allegedly stole her car, a concerned resident told NT News that the town “has had enough”.
“Too many disabled and vulnerable people have been repeatedly attacked,” the Tennant Creek local said at the time.
“One local, who was in a wheelchair, was forced to leave town because of repeated violent home invasions.”
It followed after a man was taken to hospital with head injuries on August 22 after a group of 60 people entered a property with edged and blunt weapons and began fighting.
Two weeks later, 20 women allegedly raided a home and beat up two women in their own home before allegedly stealing mobile phones and two puppies.
Despite the months of issues, after the footy brawl on September 14, NT Police said they had no plans to enact a curfew in the town.
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Originally published as Cop station, cars, businesses rammed in Tennant Creek: Chief calls urgent crime meeting
