‘Standard’ 24hrs for Alice Springs police responding to 28 DV calls, indecent assault in shopping centre

NT police say they’re investigating an indecent assault at a busy Alice Springs shopping centre – as well as responding to 28 DV incidents, six burglaries, and more in 24 hours.

Northern Territory Police outside Yeperenye Shopping centre in Alice Springs. Picture: Gera Kazakov

In between responding to more than 25 DV incidents, Alice Springs police say they’re also investigating an indecent assault at one of the town’s busiest shopping centres, with the offender still at large.

On Thursday morning, Southern Watch Commander Bard Wallace told this masthead police in Alice Springs had a “standard night” responding to 28 domestic violence incidents.

He said one arrest was made at Eastside IGA, while an unrelated indecent assault at Yeperenye Shopping was under investigation.

It is alleged a woman was allegedly assaulted at 10am in the shopping centre on Wednesday, Mr Wallace said.

He did not provide the age of the woman, and as the incident was still under investigation, he could not provide more details.

Northern Territory Police patrolling in Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Springs, January 2025. Picture: Gera Kazakov

During the day, there were also four burglaries in Eastside, Gillen, and Braitling.

However, no cars were stolen during the day or overnight in the Red Centre capital, according to Mr Wallace.

Later, at 9pm on Wednesday, a 26-year-old man was arrested at Eastside IGA, after he “was seen armed inside the store by police” Mr Wallace said.

Mr Wallace said the man was not attempting to steal anything before his arrest.

The man was charged with being armed with an offensive weapon in public, with a court date yet to be set.

Meanwhile, early on Thursday morning in Tennant Creek, there were two burglaries, one at a business, another at a residence, Mr Wallace said.

He said the burglaries were linked, with a truck stolen from the business.

No details were provided as to the make or model, or registration of the stolen truck.

Originally published as ‘Standard’ 24hrs for Alice Springs police responding to 28 DV calls, indecent assault in shopping centre