Map reveals Alice Springs ‘high-risk area’ as curfew begins

Alice Springs authorities have spoken after the first night of its snap youth curfew, with one major arrest made.

Northern Territory Police have confirmed the arrest of a “main offender” involved in a violent riot that triggered a snap youth curfew in Alice Springs.

Eerie scenes were photographed in the town overnight as the streets that had been gripped by violence and vandalism in the lead-up to the snap curfew were left deserted. Under-18s have been banned from the entire CBD from 6pm to 6am and police said no arrests were made on the curfew’s first night.

On Wednesday, the Northern Territory Government declared an “emergency situation” for central Alice Springs, labelling it a “high-risk area”.

The move comes after a spate of incidents, including significant damage amounting to over $30,000 at Todd Tavern, prompting authorities to take proactive measures to address the escalating situation.

Alice Springs has been declared an ‘emergency situation’ due to a surge in violence and vandalism. Picture: Supplied.

The emergency declaration includes enforcing a youth curfew in the high-risk area from 6pm to 6am daily for the next 14 days.

Under this curfew, anyone under 18 years old is prohibited from loitering in the designated area during these hours unless they have a valid reason, such as employment or supervised activities.

The Northern Territory Government has enforced a youth curfew in the high-risk area from 6pm to 6am daily for the next 14 days. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The curfew had a positive outcome on its first night, with no arrests for breaching the curfew. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“We call upon the senior leadership of our community members to join forces with us in combating the wanton destruction plaguing Alice Springs,” acting deputy commissioner Martin Dole said on Thursday after the first night of the curfew.

The curfew showed on its first night, with Mr Dole confirming: “We had no arrests for breaching the curfew.”

He added however, NT Police had arrested the “main offender” involved in Tuesday afternoon’s incident at the Todd Tavern.

The police have arrested the ‘main offender’ involved in a violent Tuesday riot at Todd Tavern. Picture: Supplied

Additional police officers have been deployed to combat crime and anti-social behaviour in Alice Springs. Picture: Supplied

The 17-year-old man is currently in police custody and is expected to face charges soon.

Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson expressed optimism about the curfew’s impact on Thursday morning, telling Sky News: “The first night of the curfew had been a lot quieter.”

However, he renewed calls for federal support addressing the town’s challenges.

“Alice Springs is a wonderful place, and with a bit of love and TLC, we can turn it back around,” he added.

A big crowd gathers at Alice Springs, not long before curfew. Picture: Action for Alice

The emergency measures also involve Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors overseeing all bottle shops in the town during the curfew. Picture: Supplied

While there have been calls for federal intervention, Prime Minister Albanese today did not confirm such action, indicating optimism for local and territorial management of the situation.

He described curfew as a “sensible move”.

“All Australians will be concerned by the scenes that we have seen,” Mr Albanese said.

The emergency measures also involve deploying additional police officers to combat crime and anti-social behaviour in Alice Springs.

Additionally, Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors have been tasked with overseeing all bottle shops in the town during the curfew.

“We urge all residents to familiarise themselves with the designated areas on the map and engage in conversations with youths to ensure adherence to the curfew,” urged Mr Dole.