Alice police issue 23 truancy fines in youth crime crackdown

TRUANCY officers have issued 23 on-the-spot infringements since patrols began in the Alice Springs CBD two weeks ago.

Senior NT Police, Commander Kate Vanderlaan and Superintendent Don Fry with Senator Nigel Scullion and Ingrid Stonhill at the prensentation of the new "AT School - You Decide" booklet...Picture: PHIL WILLIAMS

TRUANCY officers have issued 23 on-the-spot infringements since patrols began in the Alice Springs CBD two weeks ago.

Chief Minister Adam Giles said the NT Government’s hard-line approach to youth crime following the Easter Lightning Carnival had achieved pleasing results.

“Two weeks ago we put parents on notice that if their children were truanting, they were risking $298 on-the-spot fines,” Mr Giles said.

“I’m happy to say that Police report there has been a significant drop in youth activity since the operation started.

“The latest report, relating to youth activity on Sunday night, showed there were no unlawful entries, no rock-throwing incidents and no children requiring arrest.

“Truancy officers have been conducting daily patrols in the CBD and there has been a big drop in the number of students missing school over recent days.”

Mr Giles said there had been several new enrolments at local primary schools as a result of infringements being issued.

“Schools have also reported that since the government announced its hard-line approach, there has been a jump in parents contacting them to discuss their child’s attendance.”