Takeaway free days making an impact as grog runners try to break the bans

Police say alcohol restrictions are making a difference but grog runners are finding new ways to beat the bans. Find out how.

Alice Springs police reported four break-ins overnight as alcohol restrictions continue to bite into crime in the town.

Alcohol and cash were targeted in two residential break-ins in Sadadeen and one in Gillen over the previous 24-hours to 6am and nothing was taken in a smash and enter at Palya fine arts in The Mall.

Detectives are investigating the four incidents.

Police say alcohol restrictions introduced two weeks ago have reduced incidents of crime in Alice Springs, despite evidence grog-runners continue to bring alcohol into the town.

Nightshift watch commander southern region Allan Milner called on residents to be vigilant around illegal alcohol and to notify police if they have evidence of grog running or black-market sales.

“We had a number of local residents travelling to Port Augusta, Mt Isa or Darwin to buy alcohol and some of those have returned to Alice Springs,” Sen Sgt Milner said.

“We expected that to be a consequence of alcohol restrictions.”

Todd Mall, Alice Springs. February 2023. Picture: Annabel Bowles

The police challenge is made more difficult because power of arrest is limited to commercial quantities of alcohol found in vehicles or grog being sold illegally in restricted areas.

“If alcohol is being brought in it has to be sold from a residence or the boot of a car,” Sen Sgt Millner said. “It can be extremely difficult to track down this activity and we rely on members of the public to give us a call,” he said.

“There are a number of dirt roads that can be used to get around the main routes. A number of locals are prepared to do that and others who want to make a profit out of selling alcohol at exorbitant prices to the detriment of the community.

“Because they target locals, prices are triple the price that would normally be paid for alcohol so they’re making a hell of a profit on the backs of disadvantaged people.”

Spirits are the alcohol of choice for grog runners.

Sen Sgt Milner said the Monday and Tuesday takeaway alcohol ban is having an impact.

“Monday and Tuesday are totally different to Wednesday nights in terms of alcohol-related domestic disturbances and alcohol related general disturbances,” he said.

A consequence of the bans appears to have been an increase in the number of adults breaking into homes in pursuit of alcohol or cash to buy alcohol.

“It has been more youths than anything but they don’t usually target alcohol. We’re not seeing more adults breaking in for alcohol or to steal money to buy alcohol.”