Operation Ludlow: 259 arrested, second rotation of SA cops start in Alice Springs

Operation Ludlow crime crackdown continues in Alice Springs with more than 250 arrests. Find out more.

Alice Springs police provide an update on Operation Ludlow. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Two months in and more than 250 people have been arrested in Alice Springs, as part of Operation Ludlow, an NT Police initiative targeted at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

Two supervisors and an additional 14 constables travelled to Alice Springs to assist the community in tackling increases in crime in November last year.

Since the commencement of the operation there have been a total 259 arrests, Acting Superintendent Southern Desert Division Mick Fields said.

Acting superintendent Fields said police responded to two significant incidents between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Acting Superintendent Southern Desert Division Mick Fields provided an update on Operation Ludlow. Picture: Supplied

“The first one involved the aggravated unlawful entry of a residence in The Gap where offenders went to that location armed with weapons,” he said.

“That matter remains under investigation with police asking anyone with information to call 131 444.

“The second job involved the theft of a motor vehicle south of the gap.

“Police were able to recover the vehicle and arrest the offender within two hours of the offence being reported.

“The offender fronted court [on Wednesday].”

Alice Springs police have detected an increase in the consumption of hand sanitiser, acting superintendent Fields said.

“Police are working with government agencies to reduce that occurrence,” he said.

On Monday, the second rotation of 10 police officers from South Australia arrived in Alice Springs to assist NT Police after Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said crime had escalated to “crisis levels” in the NT.

“If you happen to see those members around, be sure to say hello,” acting superintendent Fields said.

“If you wish to report any matters to police, you can do so for non-emergency matters by calling 131 444 and for emergency matters triple-0.”

Originally published as Operation Ludlow: 259 arrested, second rotation of SA cops start in Alice Springs