Darwin’s affluent Bayview targeted by crims

CALLS to gate one of Darwin’s more affluent suburbs have reemerged after a spate of criminal activity in recent weeks.

The main entrance (gate) to Darwin's inner city suburb of Bayview.

ONE of Darwin’s more affluent suburbs has been targeted in a spate of criminal activity in recent weeks, prompting residents to again call for the community to become gated.

Darwin's inner city suburb of Bayview.

Police have confirmed that in one night alone six break and enters occurred in the outer city suburb of Bayview.

However police stopped short of saying the suburb was being targeted specifically.

Residents have taken to social media in recent weeks to raise alarm, with open Facebook page Bayview Community becoming a forum for angry members on the criminal activity in the area.

“Wouldn’t it be good to roll the gate closed to both entrances at Bayview tonight at midnight and you would need a swipe card to drive in & out” posted one resident on Sunday night.

His comments followed other residents complaining about consecutive break-ins and suspicious looking people in the area at nights.

Another resident complained about a ute being stolen in the suburb in recent weeks.

Local alderman and previous resident Jeanette Anictomatis told the NT News she would support gates at both entries of the suburb on Tiger Brennan Drive “if it was what residents wanted”.

This is not the first time the idea to fence off the suburb has been raised.

In 2012 residents called for a gate in a bid to stop car hoons speeding in the area.

A long-time resident spoke to the NT News last week to say other jurisdictions had gated communities so it would make sense to introduce the concept to Darwin.

Superintendent Daniel Shean said the six unlawful entries occurred overnight last Wednesday week.

“The majority of these unlawful entries were due to unlocked premises and I would urge people to ensure that their places are secure, even if they are at home.”

He said Strike Force Trident arrested the alleged offenders late last week.